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SYDNEY - Customs officials raided the hotel room of US movie star Sylvester Stallone today as members of his entourage were seen throwing items out of the window, it has been reported.
The News Ltd website reports the Rocky star's private jet was also searched, delaying Stallone's departure from Australia by three hours yesterday.
The actor and his party were stopped at Sydney airport by Australian Customs Service officers on his arrival on Friday night.
They were delayed for about two hours after routine X-rays of their luggage revealed several prohibited items.
Customs would not confirm the nature of the items, but it is believed banned body building drugs could be among them.
The website reports the investigation was stepped up after a visit to Stallone's Sydney hotel room revealed further evidence relating to the investigation over the importation of illegal substances.
A senior Customs source told News Ltd the investigation was fast-tracked after occupants of Stallone's room at the Park Hyatt Hotel were seen throwing items out of the window.
Customs officials had visited the Hollywood star to issue him with a summons to answer charges on the prohibited substances, which would have required a court appearance by him or his legal representative at a later date, the website said.
A Customs spokesman tonight said investigations were ongoing and they were aware that Stallone had left the country as planned this evening.
When quizzed about the incident at the Sydney premiere of his latest film, Rocky Balboa, on Saturday night, the 60-year-old laughed it off.
"That was just a misunderstanding," Stallone said.
"Customs is doing a great job.
"I just didn't understand some of the rules here."
When asked on the red carpet what was in his luggage, he joked, "My wife".
- AAP
