Sniffer dogs at an Australian airport proved that it all comes out in the wash when they detected more than two kilograms of cocaine allegedly hidden inside shampoo and conditioner bottles.
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A 33-year-old man from the United States was arrested and his luggage was seized at Brisbane Airport on December 26 after preliminary tests confirmed the detector dogs' hunch.
Border Force officers found two 946 millilitre bottles, labelled as shampoo and conditioner, in the man's luggage that allegedly hid 2.2 kilograms of cocaine.
The estimated street value of the cocaine was $880,000, police said.
Organised crime syndicates try a variety of methods to smuggle drugs into Australia's "lucrative" black market, Australian Federal Police (AFP) superintendent Natalie Scott said.
"While these syndicates try to prey on our communities to make money, the AFP, ABF and partners are committed to stopping illicit drugs from entering Australia and inflicting harm in our communities," she said.
The man was charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug and is due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17.
He has been refused bail.
Help is available:
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
