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An Australian man alleged to have imported 600g of cocaine into Australia from New Zealand by packing it inside two skateboards has appeared in Sydney Central Local Court.
The man was stopped at Sydney Airport by Customs officers last night, after arriving on a flight from Auckland.
They suspected drugs might have been concealed inside two skateboard decks, and an X-ray revealed a suspicious image.
The skateboard decks were taken apart, allegedly revealing three packages containing a white powder which preliminary testing indicated was cocaine, The Australian newspaper reported.
The man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police and charged with attempting to import a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug for which the maximum penalty is 25 years imprisonment and/or a A$550,000 fine.
The man was remanded in custody to re-appear in Sydney Central Local Court on January 15.
- NZPA