The Australian Border Force (ABF) has thwarted the
attempted importation of more than six kilograms of the psychoactive substance,
mitragyna.
Officers in the Sydney Aviation Goods team examined
and x-rayed three air cargo consignments declared as ‘textile dye’ last Friday
(16 August 2024).
The packages, which all came from the same point of
origin, were opened and found to contain a green powdery substance, with a
total weight of more than 6kg.
Further examination determined the substance as
mitragyna – commonly known as kratom – which is derived from a plant native to
Southeast Asia.
Mitragyna is classed as a Schedule 9 prohibited
substance by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and is a psychoactive drug
often in a powder or tablet form.
ABF Acting Superintendent Robert Rangi said mitragyna is
a substance that can have serious side effects including health outcomes to user’s
heart, lungs, digestive system, and mental capacity.
“This is not a substance we see every day, but that
does not mean we are any less alert to attempts to illegally import it,” Acting
Superintendent Rangi said.
“Anyone considering importing a prohibited substance
should reconsider that plan”.
“Regardless of the substance, or the attempts to evade
detection, our officers will use their detection skills and technology to make
these detections”
Importing prohibited goods can result in fines of up
to 2,500 penalty units (currently $782,000) or 10 years imprisonment, or both.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity
which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border
Watch or
call 1800 06 1800. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect
Australia’s border and the community.
