'World's oldest drug mule', 91, zooms off in a 1960s sports car
06.10.2015 23:59
A 91-year-old retired oral surgeon accused of importing up to 4.5 kilograms of cocaine in bars of soap into Sydney left his latest court appearance in a replica looking sports car, after earlier arriving on a bus.
Victor Twartz who claims to have been given 'gift' packages to bring home from New Delhi was picked up outside of Downing Centre Local Court by three friends in a Nissan Figaro, which is worth about $20,000.
The four of them squeezed into the little convertible as they drove the accused out of the city.
Police allege Mr Twartz carried 27 bars of soap, filled with 4.45 kilograms of cocaine, on a flight from New Delhi to Sydney on July 8. That amount of cocaine could have a street value of $1.3 million.
Before driving off Mr Twartz of Marsfield in Sydney's north-west offered advice to anyone else who is tempted to bring something back.
'Well yes I do, go to Customs to X-ray and (use) other ways of finding things,' he said.
The Nissan Figaro was developed in the 90s by the Japanese car-makers to try and get a piece of the class car action.
Outside the court Mr Twartz also said that 'nothing has been decided as yet' on which way he will plea.
The man dubbed 'the world's oldest drug mule' said people he met online before travelling to India took advantage of him.
Police prosecutors, however, made the seriousness of the charges clear inside the court telling Magistrate Andrew George 'this is an indictable offence'.
In a brief court appearance, his legal aid solicitor requested an adjournment to review information to be provided by Australian Federal Police.
Forensic analysis reports are due within a fortnight and the case will return to court on November 10.
Mr Twartz is the one-time Brother Twartz of the Adventist Church and a former member of the Woollahra congregation.
Dressed in a smart tweed suit and tie with a tartan scarf and carrying a hat, Mr Twartz made his first appearance last month charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
Australian Federal Police arrested Mr Twartz after a search of his luggage last month uncovered packets of soap that tested positive for cocaine. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Mr Twartz's case has prompted a warning from the Australian Federal Police and Border Force, which said travellers should be aware that ignorance is not a defence.
'Claiming ignorance of drugs hidden inside your luggage does not automatically mean you will not face criminal charges,' Wayne Buchhorn, AFP Acting National Manager Aviation, said.
He warned travellers that regardless of whether a person knowingly, or unwittingly, brings drugs back into the country they will likely be charged.
'People can expect they will be charged if they knowingly bring drugs into Australia, or are reckless or wilfully blind to the fact that there could be narcotics concealed inside their luggage or items they are carrying,' he said.
ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald, said travellers should also be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to luggage.
'Luggage is a personal responsibility,' he said.
'If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, be sure you know exactly what is inside.
'We recommend that you do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person.'
(dailymail.co.uk)
www.ann.az
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