Stallone charged with banned hormone

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Sylvester Stallone was formally charged in an Australian court on Tuesday 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 February 16.

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

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