The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged two women in Sydney following separate investigations into the alleged importation of illicit drugs valued at over $16 million from abroad.
AFP Superintendent Morgen Blunden emphasised the dangerous nature of these drugs and reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to stopping their importation.
“Heroin and methamphetamine are dangerous and devastating drugs. This combined amount could have resulted in approximately 177,000 hits on Australian streets,” Supt Blunden said.
“Criminals seeking to import illicit drugs into Australia should think again – we will identify and prosecute you.”
A 25-year-old American woman appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, 18 October 2024, facing charges related to the alleged importation of 12kg of methamphetamine concealed within clothing. Her case follows the arrest of a 41-year-old Cabramatta woman, who appeared in court on Thursday, 17 October 2024, accused of importing 10kg of heroin hidden in a hammock.
The American traveller was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon her arrival at Sydney International Airport on 17 October. During the search, officers discovered clothing items containing a crystalline substance impregnated into the fabric. Forensic testing confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, leading to her arrest and subsequent AFP charges.
In a separate case, ABF officers flagged the Cabramatta woman for inspection when she arrived from Singapore on 16 October. An x-ray of her luggage revealed anomalies in the support poles of a hammock wrapped in plastic. Forensic tests on the poles confirmed the presence of heroin, resulting in her arrest.
Both women have been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, in violation of section 307.1 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995.
ABF Aviation Traveller Superintendent Elke West praised the success of these operations, which prevented thousands of street-level drug deals.
“ABF officers are constantly monitoring trends and intelligence to detect individuals attempting to smuggle drugs into the country,” Supt West said.
“Through advanced detection technologies and targeted passenger screening, we are able to disrupt these threats at the border.”
Both women face significant legal consequences as authorities continue to collaborate in stemming the flow of illicit drugs into Australia.
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