A 31-year-old woman from the United States was arrested at Sydney Airport yesterday after allegedly attempting to smuggle over $6.5 million worth of cocaine in her luggage. Upon arriving from Los Angeles, officials discovered 14 vacuum-sealed bags containing 20 kilograms of the drug in her suitcase during a routine baggage inspection, leading to her immediate detention by Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The woman now faces a serious charge of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that could result in a life sentence if convicted. AFP Superintendent Morgen Blunden highlighted the severity of the situation, indicating that the seized cocaine could have been sold in around 100,000 street-level transactions.
Blunden noted that despite the risks associated with drug trafficking, individuals continue to attempt to transport illicit substances through Australian airports. He stated, “The AFP and the Australian Border Force (ABF) are still regularly finding and arresting people willing to risk decades in jail by trafficking illicit drugs through our airports.”
Emphasising the collaborative efforts between the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, Blunden called for potential smugglers to consider the dire consequences of their actions. He warned, “If caught, you will face losing some of the best years of your life sitting in a prison cell.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combatting drug smuggling and the extensive measures in place to safeguard the community.