26 Oct 2013

Complex scam traps unwitting drug mules

8:32 am on 26 October 2013

Police in Australia have uncovered a scam in which a couple were unknowingly used as drug mules.

Police say the couple from Perth were told they had won a free holiday to Canada, including accommodation and new luggage.

The pair, aged 64 and 72, became suspicious when they returned home, the ABC reports.

They alerted customs officers, who found 3.5kg of methamphetamine hidden in each of their suitcases.

A Canadian man was arrested at Perth airport and has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of illegal drugs.

Police say the investigation has revealed a complex and highly organised scam in which older Australians appear to be targeted by a bogus Canadian-based tour company.