Canadian national charged for allegedly importing meth in protein powder
Editor’s Note: Images of the seized meth available via Hightail
A Canadian national was expected to face the Sydney Downing Centre Court today (Thursday, 8 December) after she allegedly imported about five kilograms of methamphetamine through Sydney Airport.
The woman, 47, arrived at Sydney International Airport yesterday (Wednesday, 7 December) on a flight from Canada and was subject to a baggage search by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
During the examination, ABF officers identified two bags of organic protein powder, which when tested returned presumptive positive results for methamphetamine.
After referral of the drugs from ABF, AFP officers seized the items and charged the woman with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander, Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the risk of spending life in prison far outweighed the gains of importing illicit drugs into Australia.
“There will be a significant increase of incoming passengers into Australia over the Christmas period, but this will not serve as an opportunity for organised criminal syndicates,” Det-Supt. Blunden said.
“The AFP will have an increased presence at Sydney Airport during this busy season and will work closely with the ABF to stop harmful drugs from reaching our communities.”
ABF Aviation Traveller NSW Superintendent, Phillip Anderson said the detection was another example of the great work ABF officers did every day at the border to protect the Australian community from illegal drugs.
"Our highly trained officers are alert to the different ways criminals try to conceal drugs, and have the expertise and technological capability to stop them,” Superintendent Anderson said.
“Even during this festive season, the ABF will take no time off when it comes to our commitment to detecting and deterring the attempted importation of illicit substances.”
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 at Counselling Online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to Turning Point.
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