By Savannah Meacham in Brisbane
A Canadian woman will face court after flying to Brisbane and allegedly concealing $13.4 million worth of methamphetamine in her luggage.
The 24-year-old underwent a bag examination after arriving at Brisbane International Airport from Fiji on July 28, after travelling from Vancouver.
Australian Border Force officers allegedly found 14.4kg of meth inside towels soaked in vinegar and layered with coffee beans.
The meth had an estimated value of $13.4 million, which was enough for almost 145,000 street deals, Australian Federal Police said on Friday.
The woman was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug – an offence which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Border force Superintendent Josh Ikin said the arrest is a warning to those looking to import drugs to Australia.
“Methamphetamine has a devastating effect on the community every single day,” Supt Ikin said.
“This result should serve as a warning to criminals that no matter where you are attempting to import or move your drugs, the ABF and our partners will be waiting.”
Federal police Detective Acting Superintendent Steve Wiggins noted that in 2021/22 there were 10,100 meth-related hospitalisations.
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