NSW: Warrants issued after Sydney kava bust
05 Dec 2008 1:11 PM
SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - Customs investigators in Sydney have seized four tonnes of kava, an intoxicating powder made from the root of the kava plant.
Kava is used as a social and ceremonial drink among Pacific Islanders and in remote communities of Australia.
Customs officers first discovered the 176 bags of kava among a declared shipment of taro and yams in a refrigerated sea container from Tonga, which was examined at Port Botany on November 20.
Customs national manager of investigations Richard Janeczko said authorities were concerned about the misdescription of goods as well as the large quantity of kava involved.
"Customs investigators are working to gather evidence to enable charges to be laid by summons against those responsible," Mr Janeczko said in a statement.
Import restrictions on kava were tightened by the government in June last year, he said.
At present, up to 2kg of kava is allowed in the baggage of an incoming passenger into Australia aged 18 or over in recognition of its traditional uses among Pacific Islanders.
But large scale importations of kava are prohibited and are not allowed except for medical or scientific purposes with the appropriate permits, Mr Janeczko said.
"This restriction was considered necessary to combat kava abuse and significant associated health problems particularly in indigenous communities," he said.
The maximum penalty for smuggling kava is $110,000.
AAP cjb/hn/wf
