Mr. Potato Head Involved in Drug Smuggling

Drug traffickers will use any method to get their merchandise delivered, even to using a child's toy as a carrier and Mr. Potato Head is perfectly designed for the job. Anyone who has one knows how all the parts are stored in the big opening in the back. Drug runners have found a new use for the storage space, transporting ecstasy.

Customs officers at the Sydney International Mail Center, Sydney Australia, found close to 300 grams - 10.5 ounces - packed in a Mr. Potato Head that was shipped to Australia from Ireland. The Customs officials selected the package from among all the rest to inspect because they were looking for packages being sent to certain addresses. They knew, from previous investigations, that certain addresses were associated with a crime syndicate. It was addressed to a residential address located in the western suburbs of Sydney.

The officials had no idea of what they would find, and at first glance, the item seemed innocent enough. After all, who would expect Mr. Potato Head to be involved in drug smuggling. Fortunately, they did a very careful inspection.

When they opened the package, the Customs officials saw the familiar big grin of a toy that has been popular for more than 50 years, probably one they played with themselves, or had bought for their own children. But when they opened up the back storage compartment, they did not find the extra smiles and noses and ears and eyes that should have been there. They found the ecstasy tablets in a small bag taped to the inside.

According to Customs Director Post, Karen Williams, this was one of the most unusual attempts to smuggle drugs that they had ever encountered.

She did warn that the officials are alert to the unusual and outlandish attempts to get contraband into the country and smuggling, no matter how creative a person is, is not as easy as you may think it to be.