SYDNEY, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A 30-year-old Icelandic man is set to appear in court on Wednesday, after a joint investigation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABP) uncovered an alleged drug smuggling operation.
Authorities made the bust after another man, aged 25, also from Iceland, was arrested on Monday at Melbourne International Airport and found to be carrying around 4.0 kg of the illicit drug cocaine in his luggage.
When examining the passenger's bag on arrival, AFP officers noticed inconsistencies in the man's suitcase.
On closer inspection, officers found the "substance secreted in the lining of the suitcase," which then "gave positive indication for the cocaine."
According to ABF Assistant Commissioner, Port Operations Command, Claire Rees, the detection highlights the skill of authorities when it come to identifying travelers of concern at busy airports.
"Our officers process millions of air travelers each year and it speaks volumes about their expertise and professional judgement that they have been able to identify this individual and a significant amount of dangerous drugs," she said.
"Working closely with our law enforcement partners we are committed to detecting anyone arriving in Australia with the intent to carry out criminal activity and prevent harmful drugs from reaching Australian communities."
Further investigation then resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a Melbourne hotel, where the 30-year-old was found in possession of another 2.7 kg of cocaine.
Both men are charged with the importing and possession of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
The maximum penalty for such a crime in Australia is life imprisonment.?
