A US national is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (11 April, 2025) charged with allegedly importing 17kg of methamphetamine into Australia.
The AFP charged the woman, 50, yesterday (10 April, 2025) after a plea to help find her lost luggage at Sydney Airport resulted in the discovery of the alleged illicit drugs.
The investigation began after the woman approached airline staff on arrival from San Francisco, claiming she could not locate her bag.
About the same time, a suitcase marked with her surname was located in the baggage claims area and referred to Australian Border Force (ABF) officers by airline staff.
ABF officers examined the suitcase and allegedly found a white crystalline substance in vacuum-sealed packages, concealed inside packing cubes.
Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with the weight estimated at 17kg. The matter was referred to the AFP, which seized the suitcase for forensic testing, along with a mobile phone and other personal belongings.
The US national was arrested and charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP and its law enforcement partners would work hand-in-hand to stop criminals who tried to use air travel channels to bring illicit drugs into Australia.
"The AFP is committed to disrupting criminal networks and their blatant disregard for the health and well-being of our community," Det-Supt Fogarty said.
ABF Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers working at airports across the country were attune to all types of threats which could come through the passenger stream.
"ABF officers work closely with not only our law enforcement partners, but also airline crew and other airport staff, to identify and intercept potential threats," Supt West said.
"This is a timely reminder to passengers entering Australia the Australian Border Force and our partners are always on the lookout for suspicious passenger behaviour, if you attempt to import illicit drugs into this country you will be stopped in your tracks."
