An Australian couple who were unwittingly conned into become multi-million dollar drug mules after winning a dream trip to Canada feared they could have spent the rest of the lives in prison.
The elaborate con duped the Perth couple by taking them to Canada as “winners” of an all-expenses paid trip, which included accommodation and new luggage.
But after a dream week in North America, the couple became suspicious about their bags on their return to Western Australia and reported themselves to Customs.
Australian Customs discovered $7 million worth of methamphetamine in rock form in the luggage, with 3.5 kg of the drug found hidden inside each case.
The 64-year-old woman, who only wants to be known as Sue, said they were looking online for a holiday, and after entering an online competition she was contacted.
“Be very careful if you win anything,” Sue said.
“I could have ended up in jail for 25 years, and they could have ruined my life. So be very wary, be very careful and check everything out.”
The cruel scam was uncovered by the AFP and Australian Customs officials earlier this month.
The alleged con involved a Canadian-based website targeting elderly Australian couples with the potential to win the all-expenses paid trip.
Authorities today detailed how the WA couple, a man aged 72 and woman, 64, were the “lucky” winners.
The AFP will allege their luggage was swapped while in Canada, with the couple having no clue they were then being duped into carrying the drugs home.
The couple were due to be met on arrival, which set AFP officers into an investigation which led to a search warrant of a car and a room in Scarborough, where documents related to the con, more bags similar to the ones seized, and $15,000 in cash were found.
Australian Federal Police arrested a 38-year-old Canadian man at the airport that day and search warrants were carried out at a hotel in Scarborough.
The man was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
AFP Perth Airport Police Commander David Bachi said further investigations revealed a complex and highly organized scam, in which older Australians are being targeted by a bogus Canadian-based tour company identifying itself as “AUSCAN Tours.”
“The organizers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a façade of legitimacy. Thankfully the travelers contacted Customs and didn’t dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest,” Commander Bachi said.
“We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate.”
ACBPS director of airport operations in Perth, Jan Hill, warned travelers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else.
“If you’ve been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities,” Hill said.
“Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person.”
This story originally appeared on News.com.au.