Three men are facing serious charges after allegedly trying to import 14 kilograms of heroin into Australia from Thailand.
On April 23, Australian Border Force officers examined the bags of three men who had arrived at Sydney Airport from south-east Asia.
Two of the men, aged 35 and 36, were each found to be carrying 4.5 kilograms of an off-white powder in large plastic bags hidden in the lining of their carry-on bags. The substance returned a positive indication to heroin.
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The men fled from officers through the exit of the sterile area, towards the arrival court, after being told by ABF officers they would be subject to further further law enforcement action.
Australian Federal Police officers chased them through the international arrivals area and outside the terminal, where the 35-year-old was slowed down by a member of the public and detained by officers.
Officers used capsicum spray to subdue the man after he resisted arrest. He was taken to hospital to be assessed.
The 36-year-old was arrested on April 28 in a suburb of Sydney.
Two of the men attempted to escape officers at Sydney Airport. Credit: Australian Border Force
A third man who travelled on a different flight from Thailand on the same day was also arrested.
The 34-year-old was linked to the other two men.
Similarly, an examination of his bag by ABF officers allegedly found five kilograms of an off-white powder in a large plastic bag hidden in the lining. The substance returned a positive reading for heroin.
The men are expected to appear in court next month. Credit: Australian Border Force
All three man have been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which carries a maximum term of life in prison.
AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said the collaboration between the AFP and ABF was essential to preventing illegal drugs entering Australia.
“This alleged importation involved a substantial quantity of illicit substances and underscores the lengths organised crime groups will go to in order to exploit international travel routes for financial gain,” she said.
The heroin was allegedly concealed inside of large plastic bags which were hidden in the lining of their luggage. Credit: Australian Border Force
“The AFP continues to work hand-in-hand with the ABF to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal syndicates that seek to harm Australian communities through drug importation.
“Anyone contemplating involvement in drug trafficking should be aware these are serious offences. The penalties can be severe, including life imprisonment, and those involved will be detected, arrested and held to account before the courts.”
The three men are expected to appear in court on June 24.
