Two women faced court on 4 March 2026 after authorities allegedly uncovered more than 38 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside suitcases carried on a flight from Singapore to Sydney.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the women — an Australian resident and a New Zealand resident, both aged 35 — for a targeted baggage examination after they arrived at Sydney Airport on 20 December 2025.

During the search, officers allegedly discovered dozens of vacuum-sealed bags containing a crystallised substance hidden beneath a thin layer of towels inside their luggage. Initial testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

ABF Superintendent Elke West said officers relied on intelligence and behavioural analysis to identify potential risks among incoming travellers.

She said border officials were regularly intercepting large quantities of illicit drugs and disrupting criminal networks seeking to profit from the trade.

AFP Acting Detective Inspector Trevor Robinson said intercepting the shipment would prevent significant profits for organised crime and reduce potential harm to the community.

He said the AFP remained focused on identifying and prosecuting those involved in the importation of illegal drugs into Australia.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrested the pair shortly afterwards. They were each charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug — methamphetamine — contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The women are due to reappear at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

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