VANSTONE SENT DOPE IN MAIL

IT'S the kind of mail that some people dream of but Customs Minister Amanda
Vanstone was not amused when someone sent her half a kilogram of cannabis.

Australian Federal Police are investigating the origin of the parcel sent to
Senator Vanstone's office.

The overseas parcel was intercepted yesterday by the Australian Customs
Service at the Sydney Postal Centre, well before it reached its destination.

An AFP spokeswoman said it was believed the sender addressed the parcel to
him/herself care of the minister's office.

"We think that's the case. We're investigating that," she said.

Senator Vanstone offered advice for anyone who found themselves the
recipient of cannabis through the mail.

"Give them to the cops as everyone should," she told ABC radio.

"A good message, if anyone sends you drugs in the mail, give them to the
cops."

A spokesman for Senator Vanstone later said the drug would be destroyed.

"If someone has sent the minister drugs, we'll destroy it," he said.

"But it does serve as a reminder that drug detection dogs don't only operate
at airports but also at mail centres and they're obviously doing their job."