A married couple from Nollamara, Perth, has been sentenced to up to nine years in prison each for attempting to smuggle 56 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $18 million, from Switzerland, concealed within car tyres. The 60-year-old man and his 52-year-old wife were found guilty of attempted possession of a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported cocaine in November 2022.
Authorities discovered the drugs during an inspection at a Perth cargo facility, where packages containing white powder were located hidden behind the rims of performance wheels. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of pure cocaine, amounting to 37.67 kilograms spread across 56 packages. The operation involved a delivery on July 5, 2022, during which officials substituted the cocaine with replicas before the tyres were sent to the couple’s home.
The following day, the couple used tools to cut into the tyres and retrieve the wrapped packages within. Later that week, a father and son from Sydney arrived to collect the contraband, but they disposed of the drugs by discarding them in a skip bin outside a shopping centre after inspecting at least one of the packages. This act led to the couple’s arrest by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) during a subsequent search of their residence.
AFP Acting Superintendent Chris Colley condemned the couple’s actions, stating that drug traffickers are often driven by greed without consideration for the harm inflicted upon society. He remarked that the quantity of cocaine involved could potentially be distributed in around 280,000 street deals, generating significant revenue for criminal organisations.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) lauded the efforts of its officers for their vigilance in halting such illegal activities at the border. Acting Superintendent Carmen Lee stressed that this case should serve as a stern warning to individuals tempted by drug trafficking. She emphasised that greed would ultimately lead to detection and severe legal consequences.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in Australia, showcasing the challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling techniques and the determined responses of authorities to protect the community.