Tourist Arrested in Australia for Possessing $3.5 Million Worth of Meth
A tourist from Cyprus was caught at Sydney International Airport (SYD) in Australia attempting to smuggle four kilograms of solid, crystallized methamphetamine across the border.
The 47-year-old had arrived from Doha, Qatar (DOH) on Sunday. In a routine security check, the Australian Border Force X-rayed his luggage to find some interesting "inconsistencies." After searching through the lining of the suitcase with a power drill, they discovered a crystalline substance hidden in the lining — which tested positive for $3.5 million worth of meth.
The Cyprus man was subsequently arrested by Sydney Police and charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.
Back in June, a similar incident occurred in Melbourne, Australia when a Malaysia Airlines flight attendant was caught trying to smuggle $1.4 million of heroin into the country. He, like the Cyprus man, was arrested and charged with importing a commercial quantity of an illegal substance.
"We hope this sends a message to anyone thinking about importing illicit drugs, the odds are not in your favor and the penalties are severe," said AFP's Acting Sydney Airport Commander Simone O’Mahony. "We also want to highlight the community's role in stopping this illegal trade. In understanding the social and financial impacts of these drugs."
H/T: Daily Mail