A Northern Territory man is due to appear in court today charged following an Australian Border Force (ABF) investigation into the alleged importation of 1.6kg of morphine into Australia.
The investigation began in July 2024 after ABF officers made two detections of morphine, totalling 1.6kg, in international mail sent from India to Sydney, destined for the Northern Territory.
The goods were described as skin care products and health care items.
Following inquiries, officers from the ABF and NT Police, executed a search warrant at an Alice Springs address on Tuesday 30 July 2024, where they located and seized material of evidentiary value, including mobile phones.
The man was subsequently arrested by ABF investigators and charged with importing/exporting border controlled drugs/plants, contrary to section 307.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The 40-year-old is due to appear at Alice Springs Local Court today (Wednesday 21 August 2024).
ABF Chief Superintendent Tracie Griffin said the ABF was committed to stopping the flow of harmful drugs at the border.
"Whether these illicit drugs come in through our seaports, airports or in the international mail system, our officers will find them, regardless of how creatively the drugs are concealed," Chief Superintendent Griffin said.
"ABF officers work day-in, day-out to protect our nation's border, stopping dangerous substances such as morphine and other illicit drugs from entering Australia."
