Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2002
Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia Wire)
Copyright: 2002 Australian Associated Press

CUSTOMS SEIZE 14KG WORTH OF ECSTASY TABLETS

Three people have been charged over a 14kg ecstasy haul at Sydney airport.

Some 42,000 ecstasy tablets with a potential street value of more than $2 
million were discovered yesterday when customs officers searched the 
baggage of a couple who had arrived on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany.

The drugs were detected in two large suitcases using ionscan particle 
analysis equipment, a statement from Customs Minister Chris Ellison's 
office said today.

They were allegedly concealed in false bases inside the suitcases.

A 24-year-old man and his 23-year-old wife, both Israeli citizens, have 
been charged with importing prohibited imports.

Federal police also arrested a man at a hotel in Bondi on Sydney's eastern 
beaches when he allegedly attempted to take possession of the suitcases.

A 28-year-old man described as a self-employed florist and also an Israeli 
citizen, was charged with attempting to possess prohibited imports.

In an unrelated incident, a 30-year-old Victorian man and a 23-year-old 
Cabramatta woman were charged when tests on four bottles of cognac 
allegedly found in their luggage indicated the presence of heroin.

They were both charged with importing a prohibited import.
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