Flight attendant accused of smuggling 'marketable quantity' of heroin into Australia
A Thai Airways flight attendant is facing up to 25 years behind bars after Australian authorities discovered more than 1kg of heroin concealed in her baggage.
The 26-year-old Thai national was working on Thai Airways flight TG465 when it arrived at Melbourne Airport last Thursday.
After disembarking the plane and heading through Customs, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers screened the air hostess’ luggage, with an X-ray identifying anomalies in her 12 Thailand-themed tote bags.
Subsequent analysis found a white powder concealed in the lining of the tote bags, with presumptive testing allegedly returning positive for heroin.
ABF officers alerted Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Melbourne Airport, who seized her luggage and arrested her on suspicion of importing the drug.
The quantity of heroin seized totals more than 1kg, with an estimated street value of AU$500,000 ($608,353).
A Thai Airways hostess has been arrested upon arrival in Australia after officers found more than 1kg of heroin hidden in the lining of 12 tote bags carried in her luggage. Photo / AFP
The woman was remanded in custody on Friday and has been charged with one count of importing, and one count of possessing, a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Both offences carry maximum penalties of 25 years’ imprisonment.
She is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 14.
“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said.
A Thai Airways hostess has been arrested upon arrival in Australia after officers found more than 1kg of heroin hidden in the lining of 12 tote bags carried in her luggage. Photo / AFP
“We work closely with our partner agencies to protect the community from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
ABF Commander Clint Sims said the incident highlighted how organised crime groups use trusted insiders like airline staff to advance their drug smuggling.
“Anyone attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law,” Sims said.
“ABF officers use intelligence-led targeting and a range of detection capabilities to identify those individuals who attempt to breach our border controls.
“The ABF remains alert to the threat of trusted insiders and will continue to identify and disrupt this activity to maintain the integrity of our border and protect the Australian community.”
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