A 27-year-old Italian man has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for his involvement in a plot to traffic ketamine hidden inside a package of Christmas gifts imported into Australia.
The Perth District Court handed down the sentence earlier this week (Tuesday, 22 October 2024), with the man set to be released on a good behaviour recognisance order after serving 18 months in custody.
The man was arrested in January 2024 following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation launched when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered approximately 1.5kg of high-purity ketamine concealed in stuffed toys within a package from Spain. The package arrived in Australia on Christmas Day 2023.
AFP Detective Inspector Matt Taylor emphasised the dangers of illegal ketamine use, noting that while the drug has legitimate medical uses, recreational use is illegal and highly risky.
“People using illegal ketamine won’t know its origin, strength, or what it may have been mixed with,” said Detective Inspector Taylor.
“It can cause severe dissociative effects, memory loss, and even prevent people from perceiving danger. Effects can range from nausea to seizures, making it a serious threat.”
He added that while some drug shipments may seem small, any quantity of illicit substances can cause significant harm to the community. The AFP, in partnership with the ABF, is committed to identifying and stopping individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
After the discovery, the ABF notified the AFP, who replaced the drugs with a harmless substance before allowing the package to be delivered on 4 January 2024 to a residence in Coogee, Western Australia. Later that day, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the property, where they found the opened package with the substituted drugs removed from some of the toys.
A bag of the substituted drugs was discovered on a set of scales near a vacuum sealing machine. The man was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with attempting to traffic a controlled drug, specifically ketamine, under sections 11.1(1) and 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
ABF Inspector Carmen Lee echoed these concerns, stating that officers are constantly vigilant for suspicious packages, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
“Criminals will go to great lengths to smuggle prohibited items, but our officers are always watching,” Inspector Lee said.
“As we enter one of the busiest times of year for incoming mail and cargo, this case serves as a warning to anyone attempting to exploit Australia’s borders.”
The man has remained in custody since his arrest on 4 January 2024.
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