09 July 2024, 12:32pm
Media Release
British national charged over alleged meth import
Editor’s Note: Image available via Hightail link
A British national has been charged after allegedly attempting to import 4kg of methamphetamine into Australia on an international flight, hidden in her luggage.
The woman, 34, is next expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 July, 2024, after she was remanded in custody during her first appearance on 1 July, 2024.
The woman came to the attention of Australian Border Force (ABF) officers after a narcotic detection dog gave a positive reaction to the traveller’s luggage on 29 June, 2024 on her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Canada.
A subsequent search of her luggage by ABF officers revealed two clip seal bags containing a white substance wrapped in a towel in a suitcase.
Initial tests of the contents returned presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The AFP arrested and charged the woman with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as a potential 40,000 street deals, with an estimated street value of $4 million.
AFP Superintendent Sascha Austin said methamphetamine destroyed lives and tore families apart.
“Criminal syndicates are fully aware of the damage their trade does to society but simply don’t care,” Supt Austin said.
“All they care about is an easy pay day.
“I’m pleased to say on this occasion however they will get nothing for their drugs and the alleged importer is now being dealt with by the courts.”
ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff warned drug couriers his officers were relentless in the pursuit of those attempting to cause harm to the Australian community by smuggling illicit substances into the country.
"Regardless of nationality or travel route, ABF is working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to catch drug couriers,” Acting Commander Sokoloff said.
“Individuals who attempt to smuggle illicit drugs should be prepared to face the full force of the law.”
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
