A British national faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court yesterday (25 March, 2026) charged with attempting to import heroin concealed internally, following his arrival into Melbourne on 22 March, 2026.
The man, 52, arrived at Melbourne Airport on a flight from Bangkok, where Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected him for a baggage examination.
Questioning by ABF officers raised suspicions of a possible internal concealment, prompting officers to detain the man and undertake an internal body scan.
ABF officers then alerted the AFP, who attended Melbourne Airport to conduct further enquiries.
AFP officers transported the man to a Melbourne hospital, where a subsequent medical scan identified multiple small pellets in the man's stomach.
Police allege the man had internally concealed more than 90 pellets containing heroin, which were subsequently excreted while under medical supervision.
The total weight of the heroin was about 1.1kg.
The man has been charged with:
- One count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment and/or a $1.6 million fine.
He was remanded in custody, and will next appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 17 June, 2026.
AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said internal concealment posed serious risks to the individual and the community.
"Transporting drugs internally is extremely dangerous. Even if only one pellet ruptures, it can be fatal," Acting Commander Butcher said.
"Criminal syndicates treat couriers as disposable. They show no regard for the person's life or the harm these drugs cause in the community.
"The AFP, working closely with the ABF, will continue to detect and disrupt attempts to import illicit substances, no matter how they are concealed."
ABF Commander Clinton Sims said anyone attempting to import illicit substances by internal concealment risks not only criminal charges, but also their significant harm to their health.
"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," Commander Sims 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 intel before you even step off the plane."
Further forensic analysis of the pellets is ongoing.
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
