National media release
American woman caught smuggling cocaine
Monday, 11 May 2009
This is a joint AFP and Customs and Border Protection media release
A 25-year-old United States woman faced Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing cocaine into Australia concealed in her undergarment.
Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the woman for questioning when she arrived at Sydney International Airport yesterday on a flight from Los Angeles.
During a search of the woman and her baggage, officers discovered the woman was carrying two packages in her undergarment that contained a white powdered substance.
The packages weighed approximately 500g and initial testing of the substance indicated the presence of cocaine.
The woman was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The woman was remanded into custody to reappear in court on the 8 July.
The substance will undergo further forensic testing to determine its exact weight and purity.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or $550,000 fine.Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100