A French woman is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (6 June, 2025) charged for allegedly importing 10kg of methamphetamine concealed in her suitcase.
The woman, 18, arrived in Perth on a flight from Paris, France, on 25 April, 2025, when she was selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Perth Airport for a baggage examination.
ABF officers examined the woman's suitcase and allegedly found a white crystalline substance in five sealed, plastic pouches.
Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with the weight estimated at 10.7kg. The matter was immediately reported to the AFP, with officers seizing the suitcase and contents for forensic testing, along with the woman's mobile phone.
It will be alleged the woman intended to travel on to Sydney, NSW.
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 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
She initially appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on 26 April, 2025, and was remanded in custody to reappear today.
AFP Inspector Matt Taylor said the AFP and its law enforcement partners would work hand-in-hand to stop criminals who tried to bring illicit drugs into Australia.
"The AFP's aim is to disrupt all levels of the drug trade and the criminals attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the Australian community," Insp Taylor said.
"Even in small amounts, drugs such as methamphetamine cause immense harm to users and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.
"Our message is simple to anyone involved in the drug trade - your criminal activities are not welcome in this country."
ABF Acting Superintendent Tim Sutton said officers working at airports were continually assessing relevant intelligence to detect and catch passengers who might be acting as drug mules and attempting to bring significant quantities of drugs into Australia.
"The ABF is at the frontline protecting Australia's border from these acts and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure these plans are thwarted," a/Supt Sutton said.
