Stallone drug search

Feb 20, 2007, 12:20 GMT

Sylvester Stallone REUTERS/Ina Fassbender

Sylvester Stallone had his hotel room and private jet searched yesterday (19.02.07) following the seizure of banned substances from his entourage at Sydney airport on Friday (16.02.07).

What were believed to be body-building steroids were found in the possession of his staff as Stallone and his team arrived in Australia.

Stallone, who was in the country to promote his latest film 'Rocky Balboa', said: "I do know why I was stopped but I can't tell you.

"To customs officials it's major, but it's really minor stuff. I just made a mistake. I misunderstood a few things and we are going through the process."

After spending the weekend promoting the film, the 60-year-old star was allowed to leave Australia, following the search of his plane.

A Customs service spokesman said: "There is a range of options we can pursue in these circumstances.

"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."

Australia prohibits the unlicensed importation of a wide range of steroids and performance-enhancing substances for sporting use.

Penalties for possession of such substances can range from fines to prison.

(C) BANG Media International