Woman charged with attempting to import 8kg of cocaine
A 23-year-old Brazilian national is due to appear before Sydney Central Local Court today (14 April) charged with importing approximately eight kilograms of cocaine through Sydney Airport.
The woman, who arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Chile on 9 April, was targeted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination with x-ray images revealing inconsistencies.
ABF officers removed the suitcase lining, finding three packages containing a white powder. Initial testing of the substance was positive for cocaine.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who arrested the woman and charged her with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to subsection 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
ABF Acting Regional Commander NSW, Matthew O’Connor, said law enforcement agencies will continue to detect and disrupt the movement of illicit drugs into Australia.
“We are determined to protect the Australian community from dangerous and illegal drugs coming across our border,” Acting Commander O’Connor said.
“This arrest shows that bringing drugs across the border isn’t worth it. Those who try will be caught and prosecuted.”
AFP Commander Warwick Macfarlane, Manager Aviation, said the arrest serves as a reminder about the harsh penalties potential drug traffickers can face and the stringent measures applied at Australian airports to detect such activity.
Media contact:
AFP: 02 6131 6333
Immigration and Border Protection: 02 6264 2244