A 28-year-old Brazilian national will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today after being charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for attempting to import approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service examined the man’s suitcases when he arrived at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Chile via New Zealand on Saturday, 27 August 2011.
During the baggage examination, Customs and Border Protection officers found a substance concealed in the lining of the suitcases.
Preliminary testing of the substance indicated the presence of cocaine. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance.
The man was referred to the AFP where he was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.