Media Release: Women charged for importing methamphetamine

Release Date: Monday, October 22 2012, 11:31 AM

This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Two American nationals aged 26 and 28 are scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with importing approximately 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia.

Last night (21 October 2012), Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the women for questioning when they arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from the Netherlands via Malaysia.

During a search of the women’s two bags, Customs and Border Protection officers located two jackets within the bags.

Further examination revealed several packages of a yellow-white crystal substance concealed in the two jackets. The substance presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine. 

The women were referred to the AFP and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamines, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for this offence is an $825,000 fine and/or life imprisonment. 

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793