A Canadian woman appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with allegedly importing 14.4 kg of methamphetamine into Australia through Fiji, hidden 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 inspection following her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji.
The woman began her journey in Vancouver, Canada.
It is alleged that the methamphetamine was hidden in plastic packages wrapped inside towels soaked in vinegar and mixed 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, in violation of section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
This quantity of methamphetamine could be sold as nearly 145,000 street deals, with an estimated value of AU$13.4 million.
Tikoduadua Responds
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua stated that the incident underscores the challenges of combating the illicit drug trade and the necessity for stringent border control measures.
Mr. Tikoduadua acknowledged the incident involving a foreign national apprehended with a significant amount of methamphetamine upon arrival in Brisbane from Fiji. He noted that the woman’s journey began in Vancouver, Canada, with her luggage checked from the point of origin to her destination.
“This case demonstrates the lengths to which traffickers will go to conceal drugs, highlighting 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 emphasized that the Fijian Department of Immigration remains committed to enhancing border security and will continue to collaborate closely with international partners, particularly Australian counterparts, to address these ongoing challenges.