A 52-year-old Briton has been arrested at Melbourne Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle heroin into Australia concealed inside his body.
Ifeanyl Ezeiru-Maru faces two serious drug charges after being detained on March 22.
Border Force officers selected him for further examination after he disembarked from a flight from Bangkok.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) then transported him to a Melbourne hospital for assessment, where scans reportedly revealed multiple pellets inside his stomach.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Authorities allege he was carrying more than 90 packages containing heroin, which were later expelled under medical supervision.
The total weight of the alleged haul was 1.1kg.
He has been charged with importing and possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled substance.
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison or a fine of approximately £835,570.
Border Force officers at Melbourne Airport selected the Briton for further examination
|GETTY
Mr Ezeiru-Maru remains in custody ahead of his appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 17.
The alleged seized heroin has an estimated street value of between £272,500 and £273,500.
Australian authorities have condemned criminal networks that exploit so-called “drug mules”.
“Transporting drugs internally is extremely dangerous. Even if only one pellet ruptures, it can be fatal,” Acting Commander Simone Butcher said.
AUSTRALIA - READ THE LATEST:
Authorities allege he was carrying more than 90 packages containing heroin
|AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE
“Criminal syndicates treat couriers as disposable.”
“They show no regard for the person’s life or the harm these drugs cause in the community,” she added.
“The AFP, working closely with the Australia Border Force (ABF), will continue to detect and disrupt attempts to import illicit substances, no matter how they are concealed.”
ABF Commander Clinton Sims said officers use intelligence-led screening to identify potential risks.
Mr Ezeiru-Maru remains in custody ahead of his appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
|“ABF has advanced, intelligence-led screening techniques, including working with our international law enforcement partners, to identify travellers who may pose a risk to the Australian community,” he said.
“Our officers are trained to examine more than just baggage - we consider the demeanour and behaviour of travellers, and how they respond to questioning.
“ABF officers are alert to the concealment methods of criminals and have the knowledge and intelligence before you even step off the plane.”
Forensic analysis of the drugs is ongoing.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter