Sydney woman charged after allegedly trying to import 15kg of meth hidden in tea bags in luggage
An Australian woman who flew into the country on Boxing Day has been arrested over an alleged $13 million discovery in her suitcase.
The 40-year-old woman, who is from the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, was stopped for a routine examination at Sydney International Airport on December 26.
When Border Force opened her suitcase, they allegedly discovered “18 vacuum-sealed bags labelled as ‘tea’ and containing a clear crystalline substance”.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated weight of 15kg,” the AFP said in a statement.
Authorities estimate the street value of the alleged meth discovery would be over $13 million, saying it could have been used for around 150,000 street deals.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and ABF continued to see individuals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia in their luggage.
“This is an important reminder for travellers – individuals or groups offering money to move luggage are not to be trusted, and the reward is not worth the consequences,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“Trafficking drugs in your luggage, either knowingly or unknowingly, is a criminal offence, and if caught, you face losing some of the best years of your life sitting in a prison cell either in Australia or overseas.
“The AFP is working closely with our partners at the border and overseas to disrupt these importations before the drugs ever hit our streets.
“This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target.”
The woman was charged with commercial quantity importation of a border controlled drug. She was expected before the court on Saturday.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
