A US national has been charged after allegedly importing 17kg of meth into Australia. This incident highlights the serious issue of drug trafficking and the measures taken by authorities to combat it.
The 50-year-old woman approached staff at Sydney Airport when she lost her luggage upon arrival from San Francisco yesterday. During this time, a suitcase marked with her last name was located in the baggage claims area and was referred to by the Australian Border Force by airline staff.
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Officers allegedly discovered vacuum-sealed bags full of a white crystalline substance hidden inside packing cubes. Initial testing reportedly confirmed a positive result for methamphetamine, with the total weight of the packages reaching 17kg.
The US national was arrested and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, emphasizing the strict laws against drug trafficking.
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“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,” ABF Superintendent Elle West stated. This underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing drug smuggling.
“This is a timely reminder to passengers entering Australia that the Australian Border Force and our partners are always on the lookout for suspicious passenger behavior. If you attempt to import illicit drugs into this country, you will be stopped in your tracks,” she warned.
