Google – AFP, 25 October 2013
Illustration:
an Australian couple were duped into thinking they had won a holiday
to Canada,
but when they returned discovered they had become unwitting drug mules
(AFP/File, Tony Ashby)
|
Sydney — It
seemed like a dream come true -- a free holiday to Canada complete with new
luggage -- until the Australian couple involved realised they had unwittingly
become drug mules.
Australian
Federal Police on Friday said the pair, a 72-year-old man and 64-year-old
woman, told Customs officials they had some concerns about their bags when they
returned to Perth International Airport on October 13.
On
examination, some 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of methamphetamine was found
stashed within the lining of each bag, which police reportedly believe were
swapped while in Canada.
"The
Australian Federal Police will allege the couple were victims of an elaborate
scam and were unwitting participants in the drug importation," police said
in a statement.
Authorities
said the scam by a bogus Canada-based tour company calling itself "AusCan
Tours" apparently targeted older people, offering two tickets to Canada,
seven nights' accommodation and new luggage as a prize.
"The
organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facade of
legitimacy," Perth airport police commander David Bachi said.
"Thankfully
the travellers contacted Customs and didn't dismiss their concerns, allowing us
to make the arrest."
Authorities
arrested a 38-year-old Canadian man at the airport the day the couple returned
and have since charged him with importing a commercial quantity of a
border-controlled drug.
A raid on a
hotel in the Perth suburb of Scarborough uncovered documents allegedly
associated with the scam, along with electronic equipment, two suitcases
(similar to the ones seized at the airport) and Aus$15,000 (US$14,422) in cash.
The Customs
director at Perth airport, Jan Hill, warned travellers about carrying someone
else's luggage.
"If
you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the
right choice and alert local authorities," she said.
"Do
not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of
another person."
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