A New Zealand man caught up in a drug mule scam earlier this year has been sentenced in an Australian court.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued an update on the two travellers who were initially caught up in a United Nations officer drug mule scam earlier in the year, alongside a stark reminder for travellers to be aware.
“The criminals behind the scam offer the alleged drug couriers up to AU$35 million (NZ$37.6 million) to transport a suitcase into Australia on behalf of an individual purporting to be from the United Nations,” an AFP spokesperson said.
On July 26, border force officers examined the luggage of a 39-year-old Western Australian man, who arrived in Melbourne from Singapore and allegedly found 3kg of methamphetamine concealed in the lining.
Eric Chang, a 77-year-old New Zealand national, also fell victim to the scam just 24 hours later, arriving at Melbourne Airport from Thailand with 2kg of heroin hidden in the lining of a suitcase.
While both men were unknown to one another, they were both charged with serious drug import offences that carry a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment.
AFP said the 77-year-old New Zealand national was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled substance, namely heroin.
The man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 1 and pleaded guilty to providing false documents and false or misleading information relating to non-citizens.
"He was released on a six-month good behaviour bond," the spokesperson confirmed.
AFP commander Raegan Stewart said transnational serious organised crime syndicates continued to target Australia as a lucrative market for illicit drugs.
"This United Nations drug mule scam is just another attempt by criminal syndicates who are desperate to import harmful illicit drugs and substances into our country,” said Stewart.
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