This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
A 42-year-old Canadian woman has been charged with attempting to import approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine into Australia.
Yesterday (30 June 2019), a 42-year-old Canadian national arrived into Sydney International Airport on a flight from Canada with her juvenile son and three large suitcases. She was targeted for an examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who X-rayed the suitcases and identified several anomalies.
ABF officers discovered a white powdery substance concealed within the lining of the suitcases. Initial testing returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine, with a total weight of approximately 12 kilograms.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), with officers based at Sydney Airport later arresting the woman for drug importation offences.
She has been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
The AFP is liaising with the Canadian Consulate and NSW Family and Community Services to ensure the initial care and welfare of the child, until he can return to family in Canada.
The woman is expected to appear before Sydney Central Local Court today (1 July 2019).
