NSW: Stallone likely to be allowed to leave Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
02-18-2007
NSW: Stallone likely to be allowed to leave Australia

SYDNEY, Feb 18 AAP - Sylvester Stallone will probably be allowed to leave Australia
tomorrow, despite being under investigation for attempting to bring banned items into
the country.

The actor had several items confiscated by Customs officials who questioned him and
his entourage for two hours after he arrived at Sydney Airport late on Friday night.

Even if summonsed to appear in court, the star of the Rocky and Rambo films would not
necessarily be detained in Australia, a spokesman for the Australian Customs Service said.

"There is a range of options we can pursue in these circumstances," he said.

"Action could range from anything to seizure, a warning or a summons for a court appearance.

"But even in that case it may not be necessary for somebody to remain in the country.

"The investigation is ongoing and we are aware of Mr Stallone's travel movements.

"The material has to be identified and we have to look at all the options and the evidence
before deciding what action to take."

Customs are still holding the items, which were examined over the weekend.

The spokesman would not reveal the nature of the items, but it is believed they could
include body-building drugs which are banned in Australia.

Stallone flew to Australia from the United States for a lightning visit to attend last
night's Sydney premiere of Rocky Balboa, the sixth episode in his 30-year-old Rocky series.

He and his five-strong entourage were held until after midnight on Friday after routine
x-rays of his luggage found the suspicious items.

The 60-year-old dismissed the controversy.

"That was just a misunderstanding," he said as he walked the red carpet last night.

"Customs is doing a great job.

"I just didn't understand some of the rules here."

When asked on the red carpet what was in his luggage, he joked, "My wife."

He is due to leave Australia tomorrow.

AAP pmu/wjf/bwl

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