Sydney Airport arrest after $36million discovery allegedly made in Aussie’s baggage
A western Sydney woman has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle over $36million worth of illegal drugs into Australia.
The 32-year-old was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday afternoon after an inspection of her luggage allegedly uncovered more than 39kg of methamphetamine.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the woman for a baggage examination upon her arrival from South Africa.
An X-ray of her luggage allegedly identified anomalies in two of the woman’s suitcases.
ABF officers allegedly found about 20kg of white powder concealed in vacuum-sealed bags, while a search of the second suitcase identified similar packages, allegedly containing 19kg of an identical white powder.
Testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine and the woman was arrested at the scene.
The woman was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug – offences which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The ABF said this amount of methamphetamine, had it reached the community, would have an estimated street value of about $36.7million, with the potential for about 390,000 street-level deals.
The woman was arrested at Sydney airport after her luggage was inspected by officers
An x-ray of her luggage allegedly identified anomalies in two of the woman’s suitcases
ABF said this amount of methamphetamine would have an estimated value of about $36.7million
‘This weekend we have seen several attempts by criminal syndicates to exploit people into trying to smuggle drugs across the border – and we’ve put a stop to it,’ ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said.
‘I am pleased that the strong and proactive work of Australian Border Force officers has prevented these illicit drugs from entering the streets, where they would have caused significant harm to individuals, families and communities.’
‘As I’ve said before, the Australian border is our most critical asset. We work around the clock – including long weekends like this one – to disrupt those who would attempt to bring illicit substances into the country.’
Police said seven people have been charged and more than 100kg of illicit substances have been seized at the border in recent days.
The woman is expected to appear in the NSW Local Court – Bail Division today.
