26 October 2024, 2:57pm
Media Release
German woman charged over 25kg of meth allegedly smuggled into Sydney in suitcase
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
A German woman is expected to appear at the Parramatta Local Court via audio visual link today (Saturday 26 October, 2024) charged with allegedly attempting to import 25kg of methamphetamine through Sydney Airport.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) officials selected the woman, 18, for a biosecurity screening on Thursday 24 October, 2024, after she arrived on an international flight that originated in Germany.
DAFF officials notified the Australian Border Force (ABF) officers when an X-ray of her suitcase allegedly revealed anomalies.
ABF officers opened the suitcase and allegedly found 14 sealed plastic bags, each containing a white crystalline substance. Initial testing allegedly returned a positive reading for methamphetamine and ABF reported the matter to the AFP.
The AFP seized the packages, which allegedly contained close to 25kg of methamphetamine.
The woman was charged with importing commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.
It carries a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.
The woman had a medical episode and was taken to hospital for medical assessment.
Yesterday (Friday 25 October, 2024) the matter was heard before Downing Centre Local Court, the woman was refused bail to reappear at Parramatta Local Court today.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said this amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as 258,000 street level deals, with an estimated street value of $22.5 million.
"Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive illicit drug which causes immense economic and social damage in the community,” Det-Supt Blunden said.
“The impact of its use is seen in the road toll, family violence and hospitalisations.
"Across Australia, there were 10,100 methamphetamine-related hospitalisations in 2021-2022 – which equates to more than 27 every day on average.
“The AFP and its partners work closely to protect the Australian community from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
ABF Aviation Traveller Superintendent Elke West said this arrest should serve as a clear warning to anyone attempting to bring illicit drugs into Australia – you will be caught and brought to justice.
“This detection is another great example of the skills and intuition of our officers, and the cross-agency teams who work with the ABF to maintain a strong presence at our border,” Superintendent West said.
“Methamphetamine is an extremely destructive drug, we are doing everything we can – along with our state and federal agency partners – to reduce the harm faced by Australians."
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024 analysis.
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
