Competition winners used as drug mules

Staff reporters, The West AustralianOctober 25, 2013, 10:32 am

A Perth couple were used as drug mules after winning a overseas holiday and new luggage competition.

The Australian Federal Police and Customs and Border Protection are warning members of the public after a man, 72, and woman, 64, were scammed.

The AFP and Customs officials seized $7 million worth of methamphetamine in rock form after the scam was uncovered.

The elderly couple alerted Customs to concerns they had over their luggage at Perth International Airport on October 13.

The pair had recently won a competition with a prize of two return tickets to Canada, seven nights accommodation and new luggage.

Irregularities in their luggage were noticed in the lining of the suitcases during X-raying. Further examination of the luggage revealed 3.5kg of methamphetamine in each suitcase.

AFP allege the couple had been scammed and were unwilling participants in drug importation.

A 38-year-old man was arrested over the incident at Perth International Airport on October 13.

A search warrant was executed at a Scarborough hotel. During the search documents relating to the scam, two suitcases (similar to the ones used by the Perth couple) and $15,000 was seized.

The 38-year-old has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

He has already appeared in a Perth court, and will appear again later this year.

David Bachi, the AFP's Perth Airport Commander, said the alleged scam was one of the most elaborate federal officers had come across.

"The organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facade of legitimacy. Thankfully the travellers contacted Customs and didn't dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest," said Mr Bachi.

"We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate."

Mr Bachi said the scam - through a bogus Canadian tour company called AusCan Tours - appeared to be targeting older Australians.

The Canadian-based website has now been shut down.

"Any persons who have been contacted with similar offers of travel should contact the AFP immediately," Mr Bachi said.

Jan Hill, the Director of Customs' Airport Operations in Perth, warned travellers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else, no matter what the circumstance.

"If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities," Ms Hill said.

"Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person."

Anyone with information about this or any other scam should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.