“I’d done it twice before and never had any problems,” Susi remarked, reflecting on her past experiences of transporting packages for others. This time, however, things took an unexpected turn.

Among her respondents was a person claiming to operate a Thai handicrafts and garments store in Australia. They expressed an interest in sending fabrics and handicrafts, which seemed innocuous at first glance.

As Susi began preparing the items for their journey, she quickly noticed something amiss. The packages felt significantly heavier than what she had initially been informed. Moreover, the packaging itself appeared unusual, raising her suspicions.

The reality hit when Susi weighed the package intended for Australia. It registered a heft far beyond the anticipated measure. The discrepancy in weight was enough to raise alarms, prompting Susi to reconsider her previous sense of security in these seemingly routine transactions.

The package Susi agreed to bring to Australia turned out to weigh more than she’d been told. Source: Supplied

“The items were vacuum sealed tightly, which struck me as unusual for fabric,” she said. “I cut a small piece open, peeled it apart, and found a clear plastic tube filled with tiny white granules inside.”

Unsure of what it was, Susi took photos and sent them to her son in Australia, who warned her that it was likely illegal drugs.

A life-changing decision

“I thought, if I send it back, I’ll go from being the recipient to being the person who ships the drugs. I’d definitely be the one responsible,” she said.

An investigation by Thai authorities confirmed the white powder was methamphetamine. Source: Supplied

Thai authorities later confirmed that the white powder was methamphetamine, and told Susi that the over 28 kilograms of the substance packed into the tubes had an estimated street value exceeding 400 million baht ($20 million).

She was also told that, within five days, police had arrested a man and a woman in an apartment in northern Thailand. They reportedly confessed to being paid 100,000 baht — roughly $4,700 — to send the package on behalf of a major drug syndicate.

‘I couldn’t sleep at all’

She said the ordeal affected not only her but also her family, adding that if she hadn’t opened the parcel, she could be serving a life sentence in Australia.

A warning to travellers

“I want everyone to be careful. Even if it’s from a friend or someone you know well, never agree to carry something when you don’t know what’s inside. What you gain will never be worth the risk you’re taking,” she said.

“Our message is clear — no offer is worth the risk. ABF officers are one step ahead, and you will be caught.”