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Australians arrested in Vietnam on suspicion of trying to smuggle heroin Australians arrested in Vietnam on suspicion of trying to smuggle heroin
(about 7 hours later)
Two Australians have been arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle 3.5kg of heroin through a Vietnamese airport. One of the two Australians arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle 3.5kg of heroin through a Vietnamese airport has been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) has confirmed.
The Vietnamese paper Thanh Nien News reports the two people, aged 24 and 31, were detained at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. The paper referred to them as KCG and JNAJ, respectively. The Vietnamese paper Thanh Nien News earlier reported the two people, aged 24 and 31, were detained at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. The paper referred to them as KCG and JNAJ, respectively.
Customs officers reportedly became suspicious of the pair and searched their luggage, allegedly discovering 11 packs of heroin hidden in the suitcases. The packages had been treated with deodoriser to avoid detection by sniffer dogs, the customs officers said.Customs officers reportedly became suspicious of the pair and searched their luggage, allegedly discovering 11 packs of heroin hidden in the suitcases. The packages had been treated with deodoriser to avoid detection by sniffer dogs, the customs officers said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would not comment on the specifics of the case or release the names of the two Australians. Dfat has since confirmed that the two people are from New South Wales and were arrested on drug trafficking charges, but the 24-year-old woman has since been released.
“We are aware of the case and our consular officials are working closely with local authorities,” a spokeswoman told Guardian Australia. “Consular officials from the Australian consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City have been granted access to the man and will meet with him this week,” a spokeswoman told Guardian Australia.
“Australians are reminded of the very stiff penalties they may face if caught carrying drugs overseas, details of which are available on the Smartraveller website.”
In Vietnam convictions for smuggling just 100g of heroin can result in the death penalty.In Vietnam convictions for smuggling just 100g of heroin can result in the death penalty.
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