2 Icelandic nationals charged over allegedly importing 6.7kg cocaine into Melbourne Airport

Two Icelandic men have been arrested and charged over allegedly importing 6.7 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $2.5 million into Melbourne Airport.

The first man, 25, was arrested at Melbourne International Airport after Australian Border Force officers found four kilograms of cocaine allegedly concealed in the lining of his suitcase. He arrived from a flight from Hong Kong and was selected for a baggage examination on Monday. The officers then noted inconsistencies between the man’s’ bag and the X-ray image. Upon further inspection, the ABF officers allegedly saw a substance hidden in the lining of his suitcase. The substance gave positive indication for cocaine when it was tested.

Australian Federal Police officers then charged the man with importing and possession of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which was cocaine in this case. The man appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to reappear on Feb. 13.

Upon further investigations, the officers also found 2.7kg of a substance believed to be cocaine at a hotel in Melbourne. They arrested a 30-year-old man and charged him with importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. He was set to appear before the court on Wednesday.

“Our officers process millions of air travellers each year and it speaks volumes about their expertise and professional judgment that they have been able to identify this individual and a significant amount of dangerous drugs,” ABF A/g Assistant Commissioner, Port Operations Command, Claire Rees said. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners we are committed to detecting anyone arriving in Australia with the intent to carry out criminal activity and prevent harmful drugs from reaching Australian communities.”

a href="http://newsroom.abf.gov.au/releases/two-icelandic-men-arrested-for-allegedly-importing-6-7kgs-of-cocaine/photos/two-icelandic-men-arrested-for-allegedly-importing-6-7kgs-of-cocaine-5?l=eng-AU" target="_blank" title="Two Icelandic men arrested for allegedly importing 6.7kgs of cocaine 2">

Source: The Australian Border Force Image Library

Source: The Australian Border Force Image Library

Source: The Australian Border Force Image Library

Source: The Australian Border Force Image Library

The approximate total weight of the combined seizures from the two Icelandic nationals was 6.7 kilograms. Its estimated street value, is $2.5 million. Further forensic testing will determine the exact weight and purity of the seized substance.