A British national has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 1kg of heroin into Australia by concealing the drugs inside his body. Ifeanyl Ezeiru-Maru, 52, was stopped by border officials at Melbourne Airport on March 22 after arriving on a flight from Bangkok. Authorities say medical scans later revealed dozens of drug-filled pellets inside his stomach.
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Ezeiru-Maru was taken to a Melbourne hospital where more than 90 pellets containing heroin were removed under medical supervision. Investigators allege the total weight of the drugs was 1.1kg. He has since been charged with importing and possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison or a fine of 1.6 million AUD each. The seized heroin is estimated to have a street value between 523,000 and 550,000 AUD. The suspect remains in custody and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 17.
Australian Federal Police said the man was identified through intelligence-led screening processes after he disembarked. Officers from the Australian Border Force selected him for further examination, citing behavioural indicators as well as other intelligence. Authorities say such detection methods extend beyond luggage checks to include passenger demeanour and responses during questioning.
Acting Commander Simone Butcher warned of the extreme risks involved in internal drug trafficking. She said transporting drugs in this way is highly dangerous and potentially fatal if a pellet ruptures. Butcher added that criminal syndicates often treat couriers as disposable, showing little regard for their safety or the broader harm caused.
The Sun reported that Commander Clinton Sims from the Australian Border Force said officers are trained to detect evolving concealment methods. He stressed that authorities work closely with international partners and often have intelligence on suspects before they arrive. Sims said the agency remains focused on protecting the community from illicit drug imports.
Picture courtesy of The Sun
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Adapted by ASEAN Now The-Sun 5 Apr 2026
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