Australian Federal Police allege two Hungarian nationals swallowed heroin-filled pellets to smuggle into Perth

Two Hungarian nationals have been accused of trying to smuggle heroin into Perth inside their bodies. The Australian Federal Police has alleged that each of the two men, both aged 33, had pellets inside their stomachs containing more than 300 grams of heroin when they flew into Perth on Sunday. Australian Border Force officers examined the pair’s bags at Perth Airport after they arrived from overseas. During the exam, one of the men asked to go to hospital because he was experiencing stomach pain. Both men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital where one man excreted 30 pellets allegedly containing heroin, with an estimated total weight of 300 grams, over a period of nine hours. The other man vomited up two pellets before excreting another 29 pellets over the next 30 hours. The pellets, which also allegedly contained heroin, weighed an estimated 310 grams. The AFP has charged the men with one count each of importing a marketable quantity of a controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. It will allege the men swallowed the pellets before travelling to Australia. Police estimate that 610 grams of heroin could have been sold as 3050 street deals, with a potential street value of $259,000. The man accused of importing 30 pellets appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody until February 14. The other man faced court on Wednesday and was also remanded in custody until January 6. AFP Inspector Shona Davis warned that anyone who concealed drugs internally risked more than substantial jail time. “Drug couriers are risking their own lives by transporting these drugs,” she said. “If any pellets rupture in a courier’s stomach or another part of their body, it would cause them to overdose. “We also want to remind people of the unhygienic way illicit drugs are produced and transported. “The AFP is working closely with ABF and other partners to prevent drugs reaching our communities and ensure air travel is not used to facilitate criminal activity.” ABF Acting Superintendent John Sweet said ABF officers remain committed to detecting and apprehending anyone looking to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia. “The risk that criminals take by trafficking drugs using internal bodily concealment is disproportionate with any perceived benefit,” he said. “Our message is clear — if you are looking for a quick payday at the expense of our community, you will be caught and be met with the full weight of the law.”