Elderly couple 'win' holiday to Canada - and unwittingly become drug mules
An elderly couple from Perth, Australia, couldn't believe their luck when they won a free holiday to Canada complete with new luggage.
But, upon return to the airport in Perth, they realised they had unwittingly become drug mules, and alerted Customs officials.
The 73-year-old man and 64-year-old woman highlighted their concerns on 13 October at Perth International Airport.
On inspection, officials found 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine found stashed in the lining of each bag.
Australian Federal Police Commander David Bachi said police do not believe the couple were willingly involved. Instead, they had been targeted by a bogus company offering two tickets to Canada, seven nights' accommodation, and new luggage as a prize.
According to Yahoo News, he said: "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 identifying themselves as Auscan Tours.
"The organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facde of legitimacy."
A 38-year-old Perth man was arrested at the airport on the day the couple returned, and he has since been charged with importing a commercial quantity of drugs.
A hotel raid in a Perth suburb also revealed documents allegedly associated with the fraud, along with AUS$15,000 and two suitcases similar to the ones used in the scam
The Customs director at Perth airport, Jan Hill, told AFP: "If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities
"Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person."
Related articles
Barcelona named worst city for holiday scams and pickpocketing
Cornwall holiday homes conman on 'most wanted' list
