Move FM Australian News
Woman arriving in Sydney on flight from Canada hit with drug charges
Jul 2, 2019SYDNEY, Australia – A Canadian woman who arrived in Australia on Sunday with her juvenile son brought with her, in three large suitcases, 12 kilograms of cocaine.
The astounding discovery was made by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers when the pair arrived at Sydney International Airport on Sunday. The suitcases were X-rayed and several anomalies were identified.
ABF officers say they discovered a white powdery substance concealed within the lining of the suitcases. Initial testing returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine, with a total weight of approximately 12 kilograms.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police, with officers based at Sydney Airport later arresting the woman, who is 42, for drug importation offences.
She has been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely cocaine, the maximum penalty for which is life imprisonment.
The Australian Federal Police say they are liaising with the Canadian Consulate and NSW Family and Community Services to ensure the initial care and welfare of the child, until he can return to family in Canada.
The woman was formally charged when she appeared before Sydney Central Local Court on Monday.
