A South African woman has been charged with smuggling almost two kilogrammes of heroin into Australia in her suitcase, customs officials said on Monday.
The 32-year-old suspect was detained after flying into Melbourne airport from Bangkok on Saturday morning when customs officers spotted a substance concealed in her suitcase during an X-ray scan.
“Further investigation found a quantity of white powder inside the lining of the suitcase. Preliminary testing of the powder indicated the substance to be heroin,” the Australian Customs Service said in a statement.
The woman, who has not been named, is expected to appear in court in Melbourne later on Monday.
The suspect, who was remanded in custody on Saturday after being refused bail, faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of A$825 000 if convicted of drug trafficking. – AFP