MELBOURNE, Australia — An employee of Thai Airways has been charged with importing more than one kilogram of heroin into Australia after border officials allegedly discovered the drug hidden inside tote bags during an inspection at Melbourne Airport, Australian authorities said.
The 26-year-old Thai national was arrested after arriving on a flight to Melbourne on June 25 while working as a flight attendant, according to Thai Airways and the Australian Federal Police.
Authorities said Australian Border Force officers selected 12 tote bags carried by the woman for screening, during which they allegedly found more than one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of heroin concealed within the lining of the bags.
Police estimated the seized heroin had a street value of about A$500,000, or approximately $343,300.
The woman has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug and possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug. Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison under Australian law.
She was remanded in custody on June 26 and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sept. 14.
Thai Airways confirmed the woman was employed as a flight attendant at the time of her arrival in Australia and said the airline would cooperate fully with investigators.
The carrier said in a statement that it maintains strict standards governing employee conduct and “stands ready to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities throughout the process.”
Australian Federal Police Acting Commander Simone Butcher said investigators remain focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks that seek to exploit trusted employees to move illicit substances across international borders.
“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” Butcher said.
Australian Border Force Commander Clint Sims said organized criminal groups continue attempting to recruit or exploit airline personnel and other trusted insiders as part of international drug smuggling operations.
He said border authorities remain alert to such methods and continue screening passengers and crew members to detect illegal narcotics entering the country.
The investigation remains ongoing.
