A Nigerian citizen is set to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, May 24, 2024, facing charges related to the alleged smuggling of nearly 9kg of heroin concealed within paint brushes.
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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) initiated an investigation in February 2024, following the detection of irregularities by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Melbourne Cargo Examination Facility (CEF) in a shipment of paint roller brushes from Vietnam.SEE
Upon further inspection, it was found that four boxes within the shipment contained 8.8kg of heroin concealed within the brushes.
The AFP confiscated the boxes, removed the heroin, and subsequently reconstructed the brushes and boxes with the assistance of AFP Forensics members before returning them to the CEF.
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The shipment was later delivered to a location in St Albans, where AFP officers allegedly witnessed the Nigerian individual accepting the package.
The man, aged 26, was apprehended by AFP officers following the execution of a warrant at the residence. He was found a short distance away, having been observed running through a nearby school oval.
He has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance (heroin), as well as attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported heroin. The maximum penalty for these offenses is life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Rick Briggs emphasized the collaborative efforts between AFP and ABF in ensuring the safety of the Australian community.
“The significant harm caused by illicit drugs within the Australian community cannot be overstated, and the potential impact of this quantity of heroin reaching our streets would have been severe,” stated Deputy Assistant Superintendent Briggs. “Our stance remains unequivocal – those intent on causing harm to Australians will be pursued and brought to justice, facing the possibility of life imprisonment.”
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Border Force Superintendent Dan Peters highlighted the expertise of Border Force officers in swiftly identifying potentially suspicious shipments in sea cargo. “Our officers at the Container Examination Facility meticulously inspect anything that appears unusual, utilizing advanced detection processes and technologies to identify potential concealments,” Superintendent Peters stated. “Rest assured, Border Force officers diligently safeguard our nation’s borders, intercepting hazardous substances like heroin to prevent their entry into Australia.”
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