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PERTH - An accused New Zealand drug smuggler who skipped bail in Western Australia was picked up in Queensland driving an unregistered car.
Richard Thomas Gordon, 41, appeared briefly via video link in Perth Magistrates' Court today charged with importing ephedrine, a prohibited precursor chemical which can be used to make amphetamines.
His lawyer, Malcolm Ayoub, successfully called for the case to be adjourned to April 12, saying he had only just received instructions and needed more time.
Gordon was remanded in custody.
Gordon was arrested at Port Hedland International Airport on August 19, after allegedly taping four packs of the drug to his thighs and groin and smuggling them from Bali.
He tried unsuccessfully to vary his bail conditions to allow him to fly back to Queensland to look after his business, which he said was ailing in his absence.
A warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to show up in court on November 28.
On March 2, traffic police at Darby, in northern Queensland, pulled Gordon over driving a Ford utility.
They arrested him after he gave them a name which did not check out with their records.
On March 8, Gordon pleaded guilty in the Darby Magistrates Court to giving police a false name, holding a false driver's licence, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle with a cancelled number plate.
Gordon was fined $1500 and extradited back to Perth.
- AAP
