One woman arrested, 117 kilograms of meth in shipment of latex gloves seized
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and US Customs and Border Protection.
*Editor’s Note: Stills of shipment available via Hightail
A 43-year-old Carlingford woman has been arrested for her alleged involvement in the importation of approximately 117 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of latex gloves.
In July 2020, US Customs and Border Protection officers inspected a shipping container of latex gloves and concrete besser blocks bound for Sydney.
The inspection identified 12 cardboard boxes with 47 individually-wrapped clear plastic bags of a crystalline substance. The substance was tested and returned a positive result for approximately 117 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The methamphetamine was seized in the Unites States and the shipment continued on its scheduled route, with Australian authorities awaiting its arrival in Sydney.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to a business address in Rydalmere on 15 October 2020, after which a search warrant was executed.
A 43-year-old Carlingford woman was arrested when she allegedly arrived at the business to collect the consignment.
She was charged with:
- One count attempt to import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs contrary to section 307.1, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count attempt to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The woman appeared in Sydney Central Local Court yesterday (16 October 2020) where she was refused bail. She is expected to next appear in court on Monday, 19 October 2020.
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 at www.counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.
Media enquiries
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297
ABF Media: (02) 6264 2211