Foiled plot tried to sneak 49 lbs of cocaine into Australia via Xerox printers

Source: Ars Technica

Background

Four Australian men have given new meaning to the term “bricked printers”. In 2019, Australian news outlets reported that the printers involved were Xerox brand and that the drugs had a street value of approximately 9.3 million AUD to over 12.4 million AUD (US $6.7 million to over $9 million).

Interception

According to a press release from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) today, the ABF intercepted five printers in Melbourne on 30 April 2017. The printers contained ten packages of “compressed white powder” concealed within their paper trays. Presumptive testing identified the powder as cocaine. Authorities removed the drugs, replaced them with an unspecified alternative material, and sent the package to its original intended destination—a factory in Airport West, Victoria. Australian broadcast network Channel Nine reported that tracking devices were also placed in the printers.

Arrests and Sentences

In May 2017, Australian police arrested four men who attempted to retrieve the printers and charged them with “attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border‑controlled drug.”

• One of the four men was sentenced this month to nine years in prison, with a non‑parole period of four‑and‑a‑half years.
• Two other men had been sentenced previously: one in 2025 to 10 years (non‑parole period of five‑and‑a‑half years) and another in 2022 to 10 years (non‑parole period of six‑and‑a‑half years).
• The fourth man arrested in 2017 was found not guilty.

Official Statement

The incident illustrates the advanced methods crime organizations use to smuggle illegal drugs into Australia, according to AFP acting commander Simone Butcher.

“The AFP, as well as our domestic and international partners, are steadfast in our mission to protect the community by disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups and their efforts to profit off the misery caused in our community,” — Simone Butcher.