CUSTOMS SWOOP JOLTS MS SUFFERER

A BRITISH tourist with multiple sclerosis is outraged that Australian
Customs confiscated hemp oil recommended by his doctor.

Mark Eden, 36, came to WA on March 26 to visit his 2 1/2,*-year-old son.

Hemp seed oil is sold over the counter in Britain but Mr Eden said he
knew it might be difficult to take overseas.

"I contacted Customs in Perth through e-mails and on the phone," he
said. "They told me as long as I had a doctor's letter stating why I
took it, it would not be a problem."

But when he declared at Perth Airport that he was carrying four 250ml
bottles of the substance, Customs officers took him aside and he was
questioned by Australian Federal Police.

"I felt like I was being treated like a criminal when I take the oil for
a medical condition," he said.

Mr Eden said he took the oil to help treat a chronic skin irritation
caused by his condition. It did not give him a high.

Customs service spokesman Leon Bedington said hemp oil was a prohibited
import. A Customs officer had made it clear to Mr Eden that a doctor's
prescription or a permit would be needed to allow it into Australia.

"The passenger satisfied neither condition," Mr Bedington said.

The AFP had sent the oil for analysis. Federal police would consult
Customs once they had the results.

Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation WA president Jason Meotti, who is
related to Mr Eden, said the incident highlighted the inadequacy of
Australian laws when a product available for medical purposes overseas
was confiscated.