Woman allegedly tries to smuggle $36.7m of meth hidden in suitcases to Sydney
While a woman allegedly tried to smuggle 39 kg of methamphetamine worth $36.7 million into Australia in suitcases, police claimed that if it reached the community it could generate approximately 400,000 street sales.
A 32-year-old woman from NSW was selected for baggage inspection after landing in Sydney from South Africa on Saturday afternoon.
Allegedly, abnormalities were found in two of his suitcases during the x-ray.
It was claimed that approximately 20 kg of white powder was found in vacuum-sealed bags, while approximately 19 kg of powder was found in his second suitcase.
It tested positive for powdered methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police say the book has an estimated street value of $36.7 million and has the potential for around 390,000 street sales if it reaches the Australian community.
The woman was charged with one count each of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled medicine and possessing a commercial quantity of border controlled medicine.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgan Blunden said there was an increase in the number of “drug couriers” trying to smuggle the substance.
“We have disrupted these criminal supply chains and these arrests should serve as a warning to criminal organizations seeking to import harmful drugs into our country; we are ready and waiting and you will be caught too,” Mr Blunden said.
“Criminal organizations are driven by greed and profit. We are determined to protect society from the drug scourge and target individuals seeking to profit from the illegal trade.”
ABF Acting Inspector Neil Singh similarly claimed that criminal organizations continue to use people to smuggle drugs into the country.
“I am pleased that the strong and proactive work of Australian Border Force officers is preventing these illegal drugs from getting onto the streets, where they can cause serious harm to individuals, families and communities,” he said.
“As I’ve said before, the Australian border is our most critical asset. We work around the clock, including on long weekends like this, to disrupt those trying to bring illegal substances into the country.”
The woman will appear before the Bail Division Court on Monday morning.
