Three offenders fined over $130,000 for attempting to import performance and image enhancing drugs

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) investigations have resulted in the successful prosecution of three offenders in the Perth Magistrates Court for importing performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) into Australia. A 31-year-old New Zealand man was ordered to pay almost $60,000 on 24 February 2014 for importing Alprazolam tablets and vials of Human Chorionic Gonadrophin through Perth Airport on 10 July 2013, and also through the mail on various occasions. A 24-year-old co-accused Australian woman appeared on 28 April 2014, and was ordered to pay almost $16,000 for her role in importing the same PIEDs through Perth Airport on 10 July 2013. A 22-year-old Australian man appeared on 1 May 2014, and was ordered to pay $58,000 for importing Human Chorionic Gonadrophin and Human Growth Hormone through Perth Airport on two occasions, and also through the mail on various occasions.

 

 All three offenders were charged under section 233(1) (b) of the Customs Act 1901 for importing prohibited imports. The offenders were also charged under section 234(1) (d)(i) of the Customs Act 1901 for making a false or misleading statement to an ACBPS officer. ACBPS Regional Commander WA, Rod O’Donnell, said the significant sentences should send a warning to the public that importing prohibited drugs is a serious offence. “Many people do not realise it is prohibited to import performance and enhancing drugs into Australia without a permit, and they should research import requirements before attempting to possess such items,” Mr O’Donnell said. “Customs and Border Protection officers are on the lookout for those who seek to breach our laws. Misleading a Customs and Border Protection officer is also an offence and can lead to significant penalties.”

 

 The maximum penalty for importing PIEDs is a fine of up to $170,000 and/or up to five years in gaol.