A Canadian woman appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on charges of allegedly importing 14.4 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia, which was reportedly concealed in her luggage coming from Fiji.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officials allegedly detected the drugs on July 28, 2024, after choosing the 24-year-old woman for a baggage inspection upon her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji.
The woman had begun her journey in Vancouver, Canada.
The methamphetamine was allegedly packed in plastic packages that were wrapped in towels soaked with vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
Tests conducted on the packages returned a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged her with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, against section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offence carries a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The quantity of methamphetamine involved could have been distributed in nearly 145,000 street deals, with an estimated value of AUD 13.4 million.
In response to the incident, Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, emphasized the challenges faced in the fight against the illicit drug trade and the need for stricter border control measures.
Minister Tikoduadua acknowledged the recent incident involving a foreign national apprehended with a significant amount of methamphetamine upon arriving in Brisbane from Fiji. He pointed out that her luggage had been checked through from Vancouver to her final destination.
“This case illustrates the lengths to which traffickers will go to conceal drugs, emphasizing the importance of our vigilance and international cooperation,” Tikoduadua stated.
He commended the Australian Border Force for their attentiveness and thorough inspection processes that led to the discovery of the drugs, noting the crucial role their efforts play in preventing illegal substances from crossing borders and protecting communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.
Minister Tikoduadua reiterated the commitment of the Fijian Department of Immigration to enhance border security and to continue collaboration with international partners, especially those from Australia, to address these ongoing challenges.