Man returned from overseas with $2.5 million worth of heroin hidden in luggage, police allege

Police allege 6 kg of heroin, which they claim would be worth up to $2.5 million, was found in a passenger’s luggage. Photo: AFP.

An accused drug importer returning to Australia from the Philippines was stopped and allegedly found with about $2.5 million worth of heroin hidden in his luggage.

The Australian Border Force stopped the 67-year-old Canberra man at the Melbourne International Airport after he arrived from Manila on Tuesday (17 October).

X-rays were taken of his belongings, including one suitcase and two handbags.

“Anomalies in the scans prompted officers to conduct further examinations of the bags, where they allegedly discovered a white powder in the linings of all three bags,” the Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged.

“Presumptive testing returned a positive result for heroin.”

The man was arrested and charged with importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police claim a white powder was found in the linings of all three bags. Photo: AFP.

He faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday (19 October), where he was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on 18 January 2024.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Amanda Glover said the AFP worked closely with its law enforcement partners to stop illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities.

“Illicit drugs like heroin cause significant harm to the Australian community,” she said.

“They are an impost on our health system and heavily impact every aspect of society.

“If this [alleged] attempted importation had made it to our streets, it would have been enough to make up 30,000 individual street deals and put more than $2.5 million into the pockets of greedy criminals.”

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. You can also access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au, and for information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, visit turningpoint.org.au.