Two Hungarian nationals have been charged with allegedly importing heroin into Australia concealed internally.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the pair, both 33, for a baggage examination after they arrived at Perth Airport from overseas on Sunday (29 December 2024).
During the examination, one of the men indicated his stomach was hurting and wanted to go to the hospital. After paramedics were called and assessed the men, the AFP was alerted and started an investigation.
Both men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital where, over a period of almost nine hours, one man excreted 30 pellets allegedly containing heroin, with an estimated total weight of 300 grams.
The other man vomited up two pellets and then excreted another 29 pellets during a 30-hour period. Those pellets – also alleged to contain heroin – had an estimated total weight of 310 grams.
Further testing is being undertaken, but police believe the combined weight of the seized substance is 610 grams. That amount of heroin could have been sold as 3050 street deals, with a total estimated potential street value of more than $259,000.
The AFP will allege in court that the pair swallowed the pellets before travelling to Australia.
The AFP charged both men with one count each of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment.
The man who allegedly imported 31 pellets faced Northbridge Magistrates Court yesterday (1 January 2025) and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on 6 January 2025.
The man who allegedly imported 30 pellets appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Monday (30 December 2024) and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on 14 February 2025.
AFP Inspector Shona Davis said anyone who concealed drugs internally risked more than substantial jail time.
“Drug couriers are risking their own lives by transporting these drugs. If any pellets rupture in a courier’s stomach or another part of their body, it would cause them to overdose,” Davis said. “We also want to remind people of the unhygienic way illicit drugs are produced and transported. The AFP is working closely with ABF and other partners to prevent drugs reaching our communities and ensure air travel is not used to facilitate criminal activity.”
ABF Acting Superintendent John Sweet said ABF officers remain committed to detecting and apprehending anyone looking to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia.
“The risk that criminals take by trafficking drugs using internal bodily concealment is disproportionate with any perceived benefit,” Sweet said. “Our message is clear – if you are looking for a quick payday at the expense of our community, you will be caught and be met with the full weight of the law.”
