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A Queensland woman is scheduled to appear in court today after authorities at Sydney Airport reportedly discovered 39 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in her luggage, camouflaged with chilli flakes.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly uncovered the illegal substances during a baggage inspection of the 20-year-old traveler, who had arrived from Los Angeles the previous day.
Preliminary testing suggested that the contents found in her two suitcases were indeed methamphetamine.
Following this discovery, the Australian Federal Police were alerted and subsequently interrogated the woman. She now faces charges of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance.
This charge is serious and carries the possibility of a life sentence if found guilty.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Amy Knox said the quantity could have been sold as 390,000 individual street deals, making over $36 million for criminals.
“We know the devastating impact methamphetamine and other drugs have on individuals and our communities – that’s why we’re working closely with ABF and other partners to stop the flow of illicit drugs,” Knox said.
“Every detection of drugs at the border keeps Australia safer and ensures that drug traffickers cannot reap profits by exploiting the Australian community.
“If someone asks you to carry a suitcase or package overseas and you suspect it could be illegal, refuse the request and contact police immediately. Don’t take risks, nothing is worth jeopardising your safety or freedom.”
“Criminal syndicates are exploiting young travellers who may not understand the risks of importing border-controlled drugs into Australia, all for their own financial gain,” ABF Superintendent Elke West said.
“We too often see people from all walks of life enticed into situations by organised crime groups, for which the individual doing the dirty work faces very real consequences.
“The ABF’s intelligence-led targeting continues to result in significant quantities of illicit drugs being stopped at the border.
“Our officers will continue to work around the clock to ensure the border remains a hostile environment for those doing the wrong thing.”