Australian Federal Police have charged a Thai Airways flight attendant with smuggling more than a kilogram — roughly 2.2 pounds — of heroin into the country after border officers intercepted the drug at Melbourne Airport.
The 26-year-old woman arrived at the airport on June 25, at which point customs officials screened 12 tote bags she was carrying. Officers discovered heroin hidden within the lining of those bags, with an estimated street value of A$500,000 — equivalent to about $343,300 U.S. dollars.
Thai Airways confirmed the woman was employed as a flight attendant at the time of her arrival. The airline released a statement saying it maintains strict conduct rules for all of its employees and that it “stands ready to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities throughout the process.”
The woman was taken into custody on June 26 and now faces one count of importing and one count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug. Each of those charges carries a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars. She is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 14.
Australian Federal Police Acting Commander Simone Butcher emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit their positions to move drugs. “The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” she said.
Australian Border Force Commander Clint Sims added that criminal organizations continue to recruit trusted insiders — including airline crew members — as a means of smuggling illegal substances into Australia.
