A Canadian woman appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, accused of importing 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia through Fiji, hidden in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers reportedly found the drugs on 28 July, 2024, after selecting the 24-year-old woman for a baggage examination upon her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji.
The woman began her journey in Vancouver, Canada.
The methamphetamine was allegedly concealed 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 resulted in 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 the incident underscores the challenges in combating the illicit drug trade and the need for robust border control measures.
Mr. Tikoduadua acknowledged the recent apprehension of a foreign national with a significant amount of methamphetamine upon arrival in Brisbane from Fiji, noting the individual’s journey commenced in Vancouver with luggage checked through to her final destination.
“This case demonstrates the lengths traffickers will go to conceal drugs, highlighting the importance of vigilance and international cooperation,” Mr. Tikoduadua said.
“I commend the Australian Border Force for their thorough inspection processes that led to this discovery,” he added. “Their efforts are vital in preventing illegal substances from crossing borders and protecting our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.”
He affirmed that the Fijian Department of Immigration is committed to enhancing border security and will continue to collaborate closely with international partners, particularly Australian counterparts, to tackle these ongoing challenges.