Four Men Sentenced for Smuggling Cocaine into Australia via Printers
Foiled plot tried to sneak 49 lbs of cocaine into Australia via Xerox printers
Ars Technica
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Four Australian men attempted to smuggle 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs) of cocaine hidden in Xerox printers into Australia. The Australian Federal Police intercepted the shipment in April 2017, leading to arrests and prison sentences for three men, with one receiving a nine-year sentence this month.
- 01Four men attempted to smuggle cocaine using printers.
- 02The shipment contained 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs) of cocaine.
- 03The drugs had a street value of approximately 9.3 million to 12.4 million AUD ($6.7 million to $9 million).
- 04Authorities intercepted the shipment in April 2017 in Melbourne.
- 05Three of the men received prison sentences, including one for nine years.
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In a unique smuggling attempt, four Australian men were caught trying to import 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs) of cocaine concealed in Xerox printers. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted the shipment in Melbourne on April 30, 2017, discovering ten packages of white powder hidden in the printers' paper trays. The street value of the cocaine was estimated between 9.3 million and 12.4 million AUD (approximately $6.7 million to $9 million). Following the interception, authorities replaced the drugs with an alternative material and sent the package to its intended destination, a factory in Airport West, Victoria, while tracking the shipment. In May 2017, the AFP arrested the four men who attempted to retrieve the printers. Recently, one man was sentenced to nine years in prison, while two others received 10-year sentences in previous years. The fourth man was found not guilty. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime in Australia, as noted by AFP's acting commander, Simone Butcher.
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This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug smuggling and organized crime in Australia.
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