91yo to stand trial over cocaine smuggling

A 91-year-old retired Sydney surgeon, who claims criminals tricked him into smuggling almost five kilograms of cocaine inside soap bars, will go to trial.

Victor Twartz waived his right to a committal hearing during a brief appearance at the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.

He had difficulty hearing but responded "fine" when told by Magistrate Shane McAnulty he would need to appear at Sydney's District Court on November 20 to get a trial date.

Twartz was allegedly caught carrying 27 bars of soap, filled with about 4.5kg of cocaine while returning to Australia from New Delhi on July 8.

He has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Outside court, Twartz maintained he was innocent.

When asked if he had been tricked he relied: "Yes, I think that is true, very much true."

Police have said there is "certainly some evidence" suggesting Twartz was "legitimately scammed" by an organised crime syndicate which befriended him via email and gained his trust before luring him overseas.

Twartz will return to court later in the month.