14.4kg meth transit through Fiji, seized in Australia
The meth was allegedly in plastic packages wrapped inside towels that had been soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
Saturday 03 August 2024 | 11:03
A Canadian woman faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday charged with allegedly importing 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia through Fiji concealed in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly detected the illicit drugs on 28 July, 2024 after selecting the woman, 24, for a baggage examination after she arrived at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Fiji.
The woman started her journey in Vancouver, Canada.
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The meth was allegedly in plastic packages wrapped inside towels that had been soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
Testing of the packages returned a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The AFP charged the woman with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as almost 145,000 street deals with an estimated value of AU$13.4 million.
Tikoduadua responds
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua said the incident highlighted the challenges we face in combating the illicit drug trade and highlights the need for stringent border control measures.
Mr Tikoduadua said he was aware of the recent incident involving a foreign national who was apprehended with a significant quantity of methamphetamine upon arrival in Brisbane from Fiji.
He said the individual had commenced her journey in Vancouver, Canada, with their luggage checked through from the point of origin to her destination.
“This case the methods used to conceal these drugs demonstrate the lengths to which traffickers will go, emphasising the importance of our vigilance and international cooperation,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“I commend the Australian Border Force for their vigilance and thorough inspection processes that led to this discovery,” he said.
“Their efforts are crucial in preventing illegal substances from crossing borders and protecting our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.”
He said the Fijian Department of Immigration remained committed to enhancing border security and would continue to work closely with international partners, particularly Australia counterparts, to address these ongoing challenges.
Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj
