A 24-year-old Canadian woman appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court facing charges for allegedly importing 14.4 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia via Fiji, concealed in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officials reportedly identified the illegal drugs on July 28, 2024, after selecting the woman for a baggage examination upon her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji.
The woman began her journey in Vancouver, Canada, and the drugs were allegedly hidden in plastic packages wrapped inside towels that had been soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans. Testing on the packages indicated a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged her with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which could result in a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This quantity of methamphetamine could have yielded nearly 145,000 street deals, valued at approximately AU$13.4 million.
In response to the incident, Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, emphasized the ongoing challenges in combating the illicit drug trade and stressed the importance of strict border controls. He acknowledged the recent apprehension of the woman for possessing a significant amount of methamphetamine upon her arrival in Brisbane from Fiji.
Mr. Tikoduadua noted that her luggage had been checked through from Vancouver to Brisbane, highlighting the elaborate concealment methods traffickers employ, which underscores the necessity for vigilance and international cooperation.
He praised the Australian Border Force for their thorough inspection processes that led to this discovery, emphasizing their vital role in preventing illegal substances from crossing borders and protecting communities from the risks associated with drug trafficking. The Fijian Department of Immigration remains committed to enhancing border security and will continue collaborating with international partners, particularly their Australian counterparts, to tackle these ongoing challenges.