Thai airline worker charged by AFP at Melbourne Airport after wild find inside bags used during shift
A routine baggage inspection has uncovered a shocking find inside an airline staffer’s bags at a major Aussie airport.
A Thai airline employee has been charged after Australian police allegedly uncovered more than 1kg of heroin concealed inside a dozen tote bags at Melbourne Airport.
The 26-year-old woman was performing work duties onboard an international flight when she arrived in Melbourne on June 25, according to Australian Federal Police.
Australian Border Force officers selected the woman for a baggage screening where X-ray examinations allegedly revealed suspicious “anomalies” in her 12 tote bags.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Further searches allegedly uncovered a white powered hidden within the lining of the bags. Presumptive testing returned a positive result for heroin, police said.
Police allege the haul weighed more than 1kg and had an estimated street value of $500,000.
The airline staffer has been charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug and one count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.
The maximum penalty for each offence is 25 years imprisonment, if found guilty.
One count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.6(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said authorities would continue targeting anyone who attempted to facilitate organised crime.
“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” Acting Commander Butcher said.
“We work closely with our partner agencies to protect the community from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
ABF Commander Clint Sims said criminal syndicates continued to target trusted insiders, including airline crew, to attempt to smuggle illicit substances into Australia.
“Anyone attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law,” Commander Sims said.
“ABF officers use intelligence-led targeting and a range of detection capabilities to identify those individuals who attempt to breach our border controls.
“The ABF remains alert to the threat of trusted insiders and will continue to identify and disrupt this activity to maintain the integrity of our border and protect the Australian community.”
The woman was remanded in custody on 26 June, 2026, and is expected to reappear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 September, 2026.
