An audacious attempt to smuggle 30 kilograms of cocaine into Australia — disguised in towels soaked with vinegar and chilli — has been foiled by authorities, with four women now facing serious criminal charges.
Authorities described the alleged smuggling attempt as both brazen and inventive.
“Criminals will go to great, and sometimes novel, lengths to import drugs into the country,” said AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott. She praised the swift actions of investigators, adding that “the AFP and ABF work closely every day to disrupt criminal efforts to bring harmful drugs into our country.”
“Anyone who attempts to import drugs will be stopped and met with the full force of the law,” she said.
“We thank all officers involved for their swift and exemplary work in stopping this brazen importation.”
The elaborate plot unravelled on 3 July 2025, when two 18-year-old Australian nationals arrived at Brisbane Airport from Hong Kong. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the pair and examined four suitcases in their possession. Inside, officers allegedly discovered 20 tightly wrapped bricks concealed in towels doused with vinegar and chilli — a tactic believed to be aimed at masking the scent of the drugs.
Presumptive testing of the bricks allegedly confirmed the presence of cocaine.
The discovery triggered a wider investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which led to the arrest of two more women, aged 21 and 23. Police allege the older women provided logistical support — including assistance with passports, airline tickets, and accommodation — and were preparing to take possession of the drugs in Australia.
All four women were charged and appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 4 July. The younger pair were each charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance, while the older two were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity. Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff said the unusual concealment method was no match for the expertise of Australia’s border protection officers.
“There is no clever way of importing drugs into Australia, given the expert skills and experience of ABF officers,” he said, highlighting the role of “world-leading technology, intelligence-led targeting, and the sharp instincts of our well-trained frontline officers.”
“These detections are critical to protecting our communities from the devastating harm caused by drug trafficking,” he added.
“Whether it’s a few grams of cocaine in an envelope, or 30 kilograms in a suitcase, the ABF’s expertise prevents these harmful substances from making their way into the Australian community, where they can and do cause significant harm.”
One of the 18-year-olds was refused bail and will return to court on 17 July. The remaining three were granted conditional bail and are due to reappear on 18 July.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
