The Australian Customs Service is reportedly apologising to a Darwin man who spent three nights in jail for bringing bottles of shampoo and conditioner into Australia.
Neil Parry was arrested on a Friday in June 2010 at Darwin Airport after a test showed he had 1.6 kilograms of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, in his toiletries. Mr Parry was given bail after posting $10,000 surety.
Subsequently, his boat and the houses of two of his friends were searched by police.
But further testing the following Wednesday revealed the substances were just shampoo and conditioner and all charges were dropped.
Customs has said it was writing to Mr Parry to express regrets. Mr Parry has said the incident has ruined his reputation and he is considering legal action.