Photo: Australian Federal Police

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the woman for a baggage examination after she arrived on a flight from Dubai on Monday evening (26 February 2018).

ABF will allege the woman’s suitcase was unusually heavy when emptied and subjected the bag to further examination and x-ray screening. A white powdery substance was detected concealed in the suitcase lining. The substance was subjected to presumptive tests, which returned positive results for cocaine.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers attended and arrested the woman. She was later transported to NSW Police Mascot Station, where she was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The woman appeared before Sydney Local Court today where bail was opposed.