CANBERRA: A Melbourne man allegedly used the mail system to import large quantities of ice into Australia. Aiba Zarwue, 28, of Fitzroy, was charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine on Monday following his arrest last month for allegedly importing smaller amounts of the drug. The new charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police told the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday Zarwue, a refugee from Liberia, was seen at a post office collecting a parcel that had previously been intercepted by customs officers.
The package arrived in Sydney from India on August 18 this year and was found to contain about 150g of methamphetamine, constable Jade Hyslop told the court. The package was reconstructed and sent to its destination in Victoria.
Constable Hyslop said Zarwue went to the house the parcel was addressed to where he found a card saying the parcel could be collected from a post office in Norlane, a suburb of Geelong.
Police allege Zarwue fabricated a letter authorising him to collect the parcel on behalf of the person it was addressed to, before going to the post office.
After he collected the parcel, Zarwue saw he was being observed by police and tried to run but was arrested, the court heard. Police searched Zarwue and said they found a handwritten note with the details of another consignment parcel.
The details match those on a parcel intercepted by customs containing about one kilogram of methamphetamine, constable Hyslop told the court. Zarwue faced court on Monday seeking bail. His defence lawyer Ian Crisp said Zarwue had a loving home, a supportive family and an aunt able to provide surety.
Zarwue has no criminal history and no substance abuse problem, Mr Crisp said. “He doesn’t have many of the social problems many people have with drugs and alcohol,” Mr Crisp told the court.
Zarwue is also charged with and obtaining financial advantage after staying at the Sebel Hotel under a booking made in a fake name. Magistrate Luisa Bazzani will rule on the bail application on Wednesday.
