The AFP has charged a Prospect woman over her alleged role in a failed 62kg cocaine importation, after the drugs were found inside mechanical equipment.
The woman, 30, was charged yesterday (21 October, 2025) and released on police bail. She is expected to appear before Adelaide Magistrates Court on 9 January, 2026.
An investigation began in February, 2025, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Port Botany, NSW, intercepted a consignment from Germany addressed to a business in Adelaide.
ABF officers found 62 individually wrapped packages of powder, each weighing about 1kg, hidden in the cavity of a mechanical wheel-balancing machine.
Presumptive testing of the powder returned a positive result for cocaine and ABF officers referred the matter to the AFP for further investigation.
On 24 February, 2025, the AFP executed a search warrant at a business premises in Kensington Park, SA, where they seized electronic devices. Analysis of the seized devices led to the AFP charging an Adelaide man in July.
As a result of further investigations, the AFP yesterday (21 October, 2025) charged the woman over her alleged involvement in the importation.
She has been charged with:
- One count of importation of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment;
- One count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment; and
- Failure to comply with a 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment, a $198,000 fine, or both.
AFP Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said the illicit drug trade was a violent industry motivated by greed.
"Drug trafficking, and the subsequent criminal activity linked to it, results in significant harm to the health, safety, financial and physical security of the Australian community," Supt Lalic said.
"This seizure of these drugs has stopped a potential 310,000 individual street deals* from causing significant harm to our communities and economy and prevented the estimated $20.1 million proceeds from those sales going into the pockets of criminals.
"The AFP is committed to investing in strong and effective working relationships with law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking."
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said ABF officers were dedicated to protecting Australia's border and had seen it all when it came to creative ways to hide illicit drugs coming into the country.
"Criminal networks are increasingly brazen in their efforts, but our officers are alert to these methods and will take every action with our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking in Australia," Superintendent Leighton said.
*Source: ACIC Illicit Drug Calculator
