SYDNEY (AP) — A 91- year-old retired surgeon has been charged with importing cocaine hidden in soap into Australia, prompting police to warn travelers to beware they are not tricked into becoming drug mules.
Victor Twartz, of Sydney, was released on bail when he appeared in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine last month. He did not enter a plea and will appear in court next on Oct. 6.
The retired oral surgeon faces a potential life prison sentence if he is convicted of importing 10 pounds of the drug into Sydney Airport on a July 8 flight from New Delhi.
A search of Twartz’s luggage found 27 packages of soap that tested positive for cocaine, police said.
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