Sunday, April 22, 2007

Drugs 'were to cure sick albino buffalo'

An accused New Zealand drug smuggler says he brought ephedrine into Australia not to make illicit drugs but to cure a sick, rare albino buffalo calf he wanted to sell to an Indonesian sultan.

Richard Thomas Gordon, 41, appeared in the Perth Magistrate's Court today where he also said he had skipped bail on November 28, 2006, because bushfires in NSW threatened his unique herd of albino buffalo and he had to walk them out of harm's way.

Mr Gordon faces a charge of importing ephedrine, a prohibited precursor chemical which can be used to make amphetamines.

He was arrested on arrival at Port Hedland International Airport on August 19 on a flight from Bali. Allegedly, he was found with 729g of ephedrine in four packs strapped to his thighs and groin.

Mr Gordon's lawyer Luka Margaretic said his client, who has yet to plead to the importation charge, concedes he brought the ephedrine into the country.

But he said Mr Gordon bought the drug over the counter in Indonesia to cure a sick buffalo calf he wanted to sell to an Indonesian sultan.

Mr Margaretic said Gordon did not wish to discuss the whereabouts of the buffalo herd because the animals were so rare he feared they would be stolen.

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