Key facts
- A 26-year-old Thai airline employee was arrested in Melbourne, Australia.
- The arrest was for allegedly importing over 1 kilogram of heroin.
- The drugs were found concealed in the linings of her tote bags.
- The heroin has an estimated street value of $345,000.
- The woman faces charges of importing and possessing heroin.
- Thai Airways confirmed one of its employees was detained and is cooperating with authorities.
Australian Federal Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old Thai airline employee on suspicion of importing more than 1 kilogram of heroin into Melbourne. The woman, who was on duty aboard an international flight, was apprehended at Melbourne Airport on Thursday after raising suspicions during baggage screening.
Authorities discovered white powder concealed within the linings of her 12 tote bags, which preliminary tests identified as heroin. The drugs are estimated to have a street value of approximately $345,000 (500,000 Australian dollars). The woman faces charges of importing and possessing the drug, carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment, and is scheduled to appear in a Melbourne court in September.
Acting Commander Simone Butcher of the AFP stated that the agency is committed to targeting individuals who exploit their employment or community standing for drug trafficking. Thai Airways confirmed that one of its employees was detained in Melbourne and that the airline is cooperating with authorities. The airline emphasized its strict prohibition against employees involvement with illegal substances and is coordinating to ensure the employee's legal rights.