NZ pensioner arrested in Melbourne for smuggling heroin after believing he was getting Covid-19 award from UN

The ABF found 2kg of heroin inside the 77-year-old's suitcase, which he says he was duped into smuggling. Photo / Australian Federal Police

A 77-year-old Kiwi is facing serious charges after being allegedly duped into smuggling 2kg of heroin from Thailand after believing he was to be presented with a Covid-19 award from the United Nations.

In a joint statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), the agencies said the man, Eric Chang, was stopped at Melbourne International Airport in July following the discovery of a “white powder” in the lining of his suitcase.

According to Stuff, Chang was returning from his trip to Thailand, where he was under the impression he was receiving a gift on behalf of the country for NZ’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Court documents obtained by Stuff claim Chang had received messages from a man named George, who told him he needed to pick up gifts and sign a certificate in Bangkok. Once the gifts were delivered, Chang would receive a generous sum of US$23 million and the certificate.

Instead of bathing in riches, however, Chang now faces possibly 25 years behind bars after the “gifts” turned out to be 2kg of heroin.

In the court documents, Chang claims he had only seen soap and clothing “wrapped in plastic” and not the drugs.

The ABF found 2kgs of heroin inside the 77-year-old's suitcase, which he says he was duped into smuggling. Photo / Australian Federal Police

Chang’s lawyer told Stuff his family alleged he had fallen victim to online scams in the past, but nothing close to this.

In July, he faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody. He is due in court again on November 16.

The AFP and ABF have celebrated their find, describing Chang as a “drug trafficker” who preyed on their community.

“Every detection of drugs at the border keeps our community safer and ensures that drug traffickers cannot reap profits by preying on Australians,” AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Amanda Glover said.

ABF Superintendent Kelly-Anne Parish said this was a good example of how alert their highly skilled officers are around the clock.

“Criminals will try to hide illicit drugs in a variety of ways, however no matter the amount of drugs that are hidden, big or small, our officers have the technology and expertise to find them,” Parish said.

“The ABF and AFP work hard to protect the Australian community from the scourge of drugs and ensure airports are not part of the illicit supply chain.”

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.