LAWFUEL – Two people are expected to face Sydney Central Local Court today charged with attempting to import almost two kilograms of cocaine after a joint Australian Federal Police and Customs operation.
In May 2007, the AFP Joint Airport Investigations Team (JAIT) commenced operations regarding the importation of narcotics into Australia from West Africa.
The JAIT is a collaborative investigation team comprising members of the AFP, Customs and state police.
On 6 December 2007, Customs officers identified and seized a parcel containing two oil filters from West Africa, addressed to commercial premises in Mascot. Closer examination of the filters allegedly revealed 1.96kg of a powder substance later identified as cocaine.
AFP officers substituted the powder with an inert substance prior to the delivery of the parcel. As a result, a 47-year-old Sydney woman was arrested at Mascot in Sydney on 10 December.
She has been charged with attempting to import a border controlled substance contrary to Section 307 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
A 47-year-old Sydney man alleged to be involved in the importation was arrested at Mascot on 10 December. He was charged with attempting to import a border controlled substance contrary to Section 307 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
