Airline worker’s alleged tote bag drug smuggle attempt

An airline employee who allegedly tried to smuggle $500,000 worth of heroin into Australia in the lining of tote bags is facing multiple drug charges.

The 26-year-old Thai woman was working on an international flight when she arrived at Melbourne Airport on Thursday and had her luggage checked.

Australian Border Force officers found abnormalities during x-rays of 12 tote bags.

Further examination allegedly revealed a white powder hidden in the lining of the bags, and presumptive tests tested positive for heroin.

He was later charged with possession as well as importation of a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.

The penalty for each crime is a maximum of 25 years in prison.

It is alleged that the woman tried to import 1 kilo of heroin worth approximately 500 thousand dollars in the seized bags.

Australian Border Force Commander Clint Sims said on Monday that criminal organizations have a history of targeting “trusted individuals”, including airline crews, to smuggle drugs.

“Anyone who attempts to import illegal drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law,” he said.

“Officers use intelligence-led targeting and a range of detection capabilities to identify individuals attempting to breach our border controls.”

The woman was arrested and detained on Thursday and will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 14.