A Sydney woman has been sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for attempting to import a commercial quantity of heroin into Australia within the lining of two hammocks.
The woman, 48, was sentenced on Thursday, 29 May, 2025, in Downing Centre Local Court after she plead guilty in October, 2024, to one count of importing a commercial quantity of heroin, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). She was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years and six months.
An investigation began on 16 October, 2024, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney Airport stopped the woman after she arrived on an international flight.
They identified anomalies in two hammocks she was travelling with and found about 7kg of a white powdery substance hidden inside them.
A presumptive test returned a positive result for heroin.
Forensic testing by the AFP subsequently determined the substance was about 3.94kg of heroin, with a purity of 73.8%.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin said the AFP remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting Australia's borders and communities from the devastating impact of illicit drug importation.
"Organised crime syndicates continue to attempt to exploit our airports and seek to smuggle dangerous substances, such as heroin, into the country by concealing them in luggage," Detective Acting Superintendent Copelin said.
"Through rigorous screening, intelligence sharing, and targeted operations, we are disrupting criminal supply chains and ensuring airports are not gateways for drug trafficking. We will continue to pursue those who seek to profit from misery and will bring them to justice.
"Together with our partners, we are determined to intercept these drugs before they can harm Australian lives.
"Criminals who attempt to bring heroin into Australia are motivated by profit, but the cost is borne by our communities. Heroin ruins lives, fuels addiction, and contributes to wider criminal activity and social harm. Every gram of heroin seized is a direct hit to the illicit drug trade and a step towards a safer, healthier Australia."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the dedicated work of ABF front-line officers leads to investigations and prosecutions with outcomes including significant jail time, like in this case.
"Make no mistake, regardless of how creative criminals think they are being in their attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into the country, we are onto them," Superintendent West said.
"The ABF will continue to work with our partner agencies to detect and disrupt this criminal activity and protect the Australian public."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
In addition to the work of law enforcement agencies, the public has a role in keeping our airports safe. That is why the AFP is adopting the "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach. Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
