A Canadian woman appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday accused of importing 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia via Fiji, hidden in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers reportedly discovered the illegal drugs on 28 July 2024, after selecting the 24-year-old woman for a baggage check upon her arrival at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji.
The woman had started her journey in Vancouver, Canada.
The methamphetamine was allegedly concealed in plastic packages wrapped inside towels, which had been soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
Tests conducted on the packages indicated a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police have charged the woman with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, under section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The quantity of methamphetamine could have been sold as nearly 145,000 street deals, with an estimated value of AU$13.4 million.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua responded, noting the incident underscores the challenges in combating the illicit drug trade and the necessity for stringent border control measures.
Mr. Tikoduadua acknowledged the recent apprehension of a foreign national caught with a significant quantity of methamphetamine upon arrival in Brisbane from Fiji. He noted that the individual began her journey in Vancouver, Canada, with her luggage checked through to the final destination.
“This case illustrates the methods traffickers will employ to conceal drugs, emphasizing 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 dedicated to enhancing border security and will continue to collaborate closely with international partners, especially Australian counterparts, to tackle these ongoing challenges.