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AAP
AAP
National
Duncan Murray

Man smuggles 100 cocaine pellets in body

A CT scan revealed cocaine pellets in a man's stomach after ABF officers searched his luggage. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

A man has been charged after allegedly concealing 100 cocaine pellets inside himself in an attempt to smuggle the drug into Australia.

The Portuguese national arrived at Sydney airport from France via Hong Kong on January 1, allegedly carrying 1.6 kilograms of cocaine.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined the man's baggage which tested positive for the drug.

A subsequent CT scan revealed pellets in his stomach - which he later excreted - each containing around 16 grams.

It follows a 28-year-old Irish man being charged this week with concealing 120 grams of cocaine inside himself using six Kinder Surprise capsules.

Australian Federal Police Detective Acting Superintendent Carly Smith said smugglers were not only risking their own lives but also potentially harming the community.

"Anyone who smuggles drugs internally not only risks substantial jail time but is also taking grave risks with their health and wellbeing," she said.

"The AFP is working closely with ABF and other partners to make sure our airports remain a hostile environment for criminal syndicates."

Police will allege in the latest attempt, the man swallowed the pellets before he left France.

He has been charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of border controlled drugs, namely cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.

ABF Superintendent Phillip Anderson said ABF officers are some of the best in world at detecting internal concealments.

"No matter how you attempt to conceal illicit substances into our country, ABF officers are highly trained to detect anomalies and will stop you at the border," he said.

"Don't risk your health by attempting to internally transport drugs into our country, as the ABF along with our partner agencies will ensure you are caught and face prosecution."

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