SYDNEY: Australian police on Friday charged a 20-year-old woman for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine covered in chilli flakes in two suitcases as she travelled from Los Angeles to Sydney.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found 39 kilograms of methamphetamine, also known as meth or ice, covered in chilli flakes inside her suitcases at Sydney Airport on Thursday.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Amy Knox said the drugs had an estimated street value of $36 million Australian (US$23.3 million).
The latest wastewater report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) found that 12.8 tons of meth were consumed in Australia between August 2023 and August 2024, a 21 per cent year-on-year increase.
"We know the devastating impact methamphetamine and other drugs have on individuals and our communities - that’s why we’re working closely with ABF and other partners to stop the flow of illicit drugs," Knox said.
"Every detection of drugs at the border keeps Australia safer and ensures that drug traffickers cannot reap profits by exploiting the Australian community." - dpa
