Stallone charged with banned hormone in Australia

SYDNEY, Mar 13 (Reuters) Actor Sylvester Stallone was formally charged in an Australian court today with importing 48 vials of banned human growth hormone into Australia when he visited last month to promote his film Rocky Balboa.

Stallone, who is believed to be filming his latest Rambo film in Thailand, was not required to appear in the Sydney court.

The Australian Customs Service told the court that Stallone was charged with one count of importing a prohibited import when he was detained at Sydney airport on Feb. 16.

Customs said the 48 vials of prohibited human growth hormone were found in his luggage. The maximum fine for the offence is 110,000 Australian dollar (96,600 dollar).

The case was adjourned until April 24, when Stallone will enter a plea.

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