A Canadian woman appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, accused of importing 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia via Fiji. The drugs were allegedly discovered in her luggage.
On 28 July, 2024, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers reportedly found the illicit substances after selecting the 24-year-old for a baggage check at Brisbane International Airport following her arrival from Fiji. The woman had initially departed from Vancouver, Canada.
The methamphetamine was said to be hidden in plastic packets wrapped inside towels soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans. Tests on the packages indicated a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the woman with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a violation of section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The seized methamphetamine could potentially be sold as nearly 145,000 street deals, valued at approximately AU$13.4 million.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua commented that the incident underscores the challenges in combating the illicit drug trade and the necessity for stringent border control measures. He acknowledged the cooperation between international partners and commended the ABF for their thorough inspection processes that uncovered the drugs. Tikoduadua also emphasized Fiji’s commitment to enhancing border security and ongoing collaboration with international counterparts, particularly in Australia, to address drug trafficking.
The Fijian Department of Immigration will continue to work closely with international partners to tackle these challenges.