MELBOURNE: A teenager accused of importing four kilograms of cocaine into Australia from Brazil has appeared in a Melbourne court.
Lucas Marcelino Dos Santos sat with his head down during a brief appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard the 19-year old from Sao Paulo did not speak English and suffered from severe asthma.
His lawyer, Luke Excell, said his client would be vulnerable in prison due to his youth.
The teen did not apply for bail and will reappear in court in November.
The 19-year-old, who arrived from Sao Paulo on Saturday night, allegedly had the drug concealed in the base of his luggage.
Australian Border Force officers had selected him for a baggage examination.
The man was referred to federal police, who charged him with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Border Force regional commander Don Smith said: “Potential drug importers need to be aware that the Australian Border Force is alert to the most sophisticated concealments.
“Our highly skilled officers use intelligence, enhanced technology and continuously evolving search techniques to stop illegal drugs such as cocaine reaching the Australian community.”
AFP manager of crime operations Paul Osborne said: “The AFP and Australian Border Force will continue to work together to stop illicit drugs hitting the streets of Australia.”
