Australian Federal Police say a 26-year-old Thai airline employee was arrested at Melbourne Airport after suspicious screening revealed white powder concealed in the linings of her 12 tote bags, leading to charges tied to allegedly importing more than 1 kilogr
At Melbourne Airport, a routine stop during baggage screening turned into a drug trafficking case—one Australian police say used a work assignment as cover.
The Australian Federal Police said Monday that a 26-year-old Thai airline employee was arrested and charged for allegedly importing more than 1 kilogram of heroin into Melbourne. Police said she was on duty on board an international flight when she arrived at the airport on Thursday.
Officers arrested her after she raised suspicions during baggage screening. The AFP said an X-ray and further examinations found white powder concealed in the linings of her 12 tote bags. Police said an initial test reportedly returned a positive result for heroin.
The amount, the AFP said, had an estimated street value of about 500,000 Australian dollars—roughly $345,000.
The woman was charged with importing and possessing the drug. Australian Federal Police said the charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment. She is scheduled to appear in a Melbourne court in September.
“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” Acting Commander Simone Butcher said.
The AFP did not identify the woman by name or the airline she works for. Thailand’s national carrier Thai Airways said in a statement Monday that one of its employees was detained in Melbourne and that it has been cooperating with authorities.
Thai Airways said it will “take decisive action” in the event of misconduct. The airline added that employees are “strictly prohibited” from possessing. importing. transporting. or being involved in narcotics or any illegal substances or items of any kind. The company also said it has been coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure access to basic legal rights for the employee.
In the weeks ahead. the case will hinge on what the court makes of the alleged concealment and the substance found in the tote bag linings. For the airline. the stakes are immediate: the investigation has moved from a controlled screening room into a public criminal process. with the company insisting it will act decisively if wrongdoing is proven.
Thai airline employee Australian Federal Police heroin Melbourne Airport drug smuggling tote bags Thai Airways acting commander Simone Butcher September court date