The AFP has charged two women as part of separate investigations into the importation of border-controlled drugs concealed in luggage at Melbourne Airport in recent weeks.
A Lilydale woman, 22, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday (30 January, 2025) charged with allegedly importing 18kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine into Australia.
This follows a Portuguese national, 20, who appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 20 January, 2025, charged with allegedly importing 16kg of clothing impregnated with methamphetamine.
The Lilydale woman arrived at Melbourne Airport from Los Angeles, United States on 29 January, 2025 and was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
Officers allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing 18kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine.
AFP investigators subsequently charged the woman with:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment;
- One count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment;
- One count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment; and
- One count of possessing a marketable quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.6(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
The woman appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday (30 January, 2025) where she was formally refused bail. She is expected to return to the same court on 23 April, 2025.
The Portuguese national, 20, arrived at Melbourne Airport from the United States on 18 January, 2025. ABF officers examined her luggage and allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing clothing impregnated with methamphetamine. The weight of the clothing was 16kg.
The woman was subsequently charged with:
- One count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of possessing a marketable quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.6(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
The woman appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 20 January, 2025 and was formally refused bail. She is expected to return to the same court on 5 May, 2025.
AFP Commander Raegan Stewart said the AFP and its partners were committed to stamping out criminality in the airport environment, including by transnational drug syndicates.
"Despite all the risks involved, we are still arresting people who attempt to bring illicit drugs into our country through our airports," Commander Stewart said.
"No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are committed to preventing airports from being used as part of the criminal supply chain.
"It's about protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade.
"I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all the AFP members involved in these investigations - from investigators, intelligence members, and all other support capabilities."
ABF Acting Commander Fiona Strong said the ability of ABF officers to detect illicit substances at the border should serve as a strong deterrent for anyone looking to traffic drugs into Australia.
"Our ABF officers are highly skilled and well equipped to identify any number of methodologies that criminal enterprises utilise in an attempt to breach our borders through smuggling illicit drugs," a/Commander Strong said.
"Illicit substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine have lethal consequences for too many people, destroying lives and wreaking absolute havoc in the community.
"The ABF remain committed to fighting the scourge of drug mules being used by criminal syndicates to amass huge profits and who show no regard for Australia's laws or its people.
"Our message to those who so brazenly engage in such criminal endeavours is that along with our partner agencies, we will continue to utilise all tools at our disposal to intercept and apprehend you with absolute conviction."
