PERTH, Australia, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The traveling public in Australia was warned about a scam contest involving a vacation and new luggage that really is a drug smuggling scheme, officials said.
The alert follows an investigation triggered by a Perth couple alerting customs officials about concerns they had with their luggage, the Australian Federal Police said Friday in a release.
The couple told authorities they had won a competition with a prize of two tickets to Canada, plus accommodations and new luggage.
An X-ray examination revealed irregularities in the lining of the suitcases that later were determined to be methamphetamine. About 3 1/2 kilograms of the pills were found hidden in each suitcase, police said.
Police said the couple were victims of an scam and unwitting participants in the drug smuggling operation. A 38-year-old Canadian man was arrested at Perth Airport.
A search of the man's hotel room found documents associated with the alleged scam, electronic equipment, two suitcases similar to the ones seized at the airport and approximately $15,000 in cash. The man was charged with drug smuggling.
The investigation also revealed a highly organized scam in which older Australians appeared to be targeted by a bogus Canadian tour company identifying itself as "AUSCAN Tours."
"The organizers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facade of legitimacy. Thankfully the travelers contacted Customs and didn't dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest," Perth Airport Police Cmdr. David Bachi said. "We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate."
Jan Hill, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Director of Airport Operations Perth, warned travelers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else.
"If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities," Hill said.
