On the 22 August 2019, the man arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He was selected by ABF Officers for a baggage examination.
During the baggage examination, officers located packets of jelly powder and tea. The contents were examined and tested, returning a positive presumptive result for pseudoephedrine, with a total weight of 13.01 kilograms.
ABF Investigators attended and arrested the man, who was subsequently charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor contrary to division 307.11 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
On 15 November 2019, the man entered a guilty plea in relation to the charge. He was sentenced on 22 May 2020 in the County Court of Victoria to six years imprisonment with a non-parole period of four years.
ABF Superintendent Regional Investigations VIC and TAS, Nicholas Walker said the sentence should serve as a warning to anyone considering illicit activities that they will get caught and they will be held accountable.
"Our officers take their role of stopping the illegal importation of dangerous drugs and precursors very seriously. These precursor chemicals could have gone on to harm many people in our community," Superintendent Walker said.
"Let this be a warning to anyone who is considering importing these dangerous drugs: it is a serious crime. If you're caught you face serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences."
People with information about the importation of illicit drugs and precursors should contact Border Watch at www.australia.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.
