A Vietnamese student, Tri Phan is reported to be paying $28,000 to Christchurch Hospital for an operation to remove a condom containing heroin which he swallowed before he took a flight to New Zealand.

However, defense counsel David Bunce told the High Court in Christchurch today there was no chance of Tri Phan or his family being able to pay the money.

Also, he hoped the medical expenses would be taken from the student health insurance policy that Phan was covered by.

It has been reported that no reparation order was filed at Phan's sentencing by Justice Graham Panckhurst today, as a result of which a civil claim serves as the only way for Canterbury District Health Board to resort in a bid to claim the money.

Phan, 26, was imprisoned for nearly six months accused of importing 0.3g of heroin in a condom, he swallowed in Singapore, prior flying to New Zealand where he has been studying English.

Following two days of his arrival in Christchurch, he told his family that he was unable to go to the toilet and was rushed to a hospital where his bowel operation resulted in a removal of the condom, and consequently police were summoned.

His visa is reportedly annulled for now and he will be not be released till his imprisonment ends.