Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators have charged a 31-year-old Sydney man with importing 20kg of ephedrine concealed in hair brushes.
On 17 June 2016, ABF officers targeted a parcel from China addressed to a residence in West Ryde, New South Wales.
The officers examined the parcel of hair brushes which were found to have concealments of powder. Initial testing of the substance was positive for ephedrine.
Following further investigation and warrant activity, the man was charged with the following:
- 1 x intentionally import prohibited tier 1 goods, contrary to Section 233BAA(4) of the Customs Act 1901,
- 1 x convey/possess prohibited imports/prohibited exports, contrary to Section 233(1)(D) of the Customs Act 1901,
- 3 x fail to comply with order to assist officer, contrary to Section 201a(3) of the Customs Act 1901.
Acting ABF Commander Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Tim Pieper, said that the ABF is alert to the most sophisticated concealment methods.
“Our highly skilled officers use intelligence, enhanced technology and continuously evolving search techniques to stop prohibited substances reaching the Australian community,” A/g Commander Pieper said.
“Attempting to import drugs or precursors into Australia is a serious crime, and if convicted you could go to jail.”
Ephedrine is used as a precursor agent in the manufacture of illegal amphetamine substances, such as ice.
The man is scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court on the 23rd June.
Source and image credit: abf.gov.au
