Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2002
Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia Wire)
Copyright: 2002 Australian Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

THREE CHARGED OVER AIRPORT DRUG HAUL

Federal police have charged three people over a 14kg drug haul at 
Sydney airport.

Officers allegedly discovered 14kg of the drug MDMA, or 
methamphetamine, yesterday during a search of the luggage of a couple 
who had arrived on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany.

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

MDMA is used in the production of ecstasy, and a spokesman from Mr 
Ellison's office said the 14kg had the potential to lead to the 
production of 42,000 ecstasy tablets with a street value of more than 
$2 million.

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.

Both were charged with importing a prohibited import.
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MAP posted-by: Josh