A Canadian woman appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with allegedly importing 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia through Fiji, concealed in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers reportedly discovered the illicit drugs on July 28, 2024, after selecting the 24-year-old woman for a baggage examination upon her arrival at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Fiji.
The woman had begun her journey in Vancouver, Canada. The methamphetamine was allegedly packed in plastic packages, wrapped inside towels that had been soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
Testing of the packages indicated a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the woman with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
This quantity of methamphetamine could have been distributed as nearly 145,000 street deals, with an estimated value of AU$13.4 million.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua responded to the incident, highlighting the challenges in combating the illicit drug trade and the need for stringent border control measures.
Mr. Tikoduadua acknowledged the recent incident involving a foreign national apprehended with a significant quantity of methamphetamine upon arrival in Brisbane from Fiji. He noted that the woman had started her journey in Vancouver, Canada, with her luggage checked through from the point of origin to her destination.
“This case and the methods used to conceal these drugs demonstrate the lengths to which traffickers will go, emphasising the importance of our vigilance and international cooperation,” Mr. Tikoduadua said.
“I commend the Australian Border Force for their vigilance and thorough inspection processes that led to this discovery,” he added. “Their efforts are crucial in preventing illegal substances from crossing borders and protecting our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.”
He also emphasized that the Fijian Department of Immigration remains committed to enhancing border security and will continue to work closely with international partners, particularly Australian counterparts, to address these ongoing challenges.