Fed: Cocaine concealed in platform thongs zeized at airport

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2004
Fed: Cocaine concealed in platform thongs zeized at airport

SYDNEY, April 27 AAP - Cocaine was found in the heels of women's platform thongs during
one of two drug busts at Sydney airport on Saturday.

Federal Justice and Customs Minister Chris Ellison said the seizures netted almost
nine kilograms of concealed cocaine with a street value of $2.7 million.

A 27-year-old American who arrived on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles was
found to be concealing a quantity of cocaine in the heels of three pairs of women's platform
thongs inside his suitcase.

Six packages of cocaine were also allegedly concealed in the lining of his suitcase,
Senator Ellison said.

Several hours after the first seizure, a 36-year-old Spanish woman, who arrived on
a Qantas flight from South Africa, was found to be carrying cocaine.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) agents charged the man and the woman with importing
a prohibited import under the Customs Act.

The American appeared before Waverley Local Court yesterday and was remanded in custody
to appear at Central Local Court in Sydney today.

The woman was to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.

AAP smb/sd/cjh/br

KEYWORD: SHOES

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