Source: Radio New Zealand
Australian Border Force officers seized 36kg of methamphetamine after selecting two women, both aged 22, for a baggage examination following their arrival on a flight from Malaysia. Supplied / Australian Federal Police
Two New Zealand women have been charged with allegedly importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Melbourne.
The women, both aged 22, were selected for a bag exam at Melbourne Airport after flying in from Malaysia, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers found a white crystalline substance in each of the women’s suitcases, totalling about 36kg. Initial testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine, so the illicit drugs were seized.
The matter was referred to police for investigation and the women were arrested at the airport.
The two women faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Supplied / Australian Federal Police
They were each charged with a count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, and one count of possession. Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police said the seized drugs had an estimated street value of more than AU$33 million (NZ$37.8m) and could have been distributed as 360,000 street deals if it had reached the community.
The women faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody to appear before court on 13 March, 2026.
The officers allegedly located a white crystalline substance in each of the women’s suitcases, totalling about 36kg. Supplied / Australian Federal Police
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Jarrod Ragg said the AFP and its law enforcement partners worked together to combat attempts by criminal networks using air travel as part of the international drug-trafficking chain.
“Methamphetamine is linked to domestic violence, assaults on medical professionals, and violence on our streets. The AFP stands ready and able to respond to those who are willing to risk this social harm for a personal profit and greed.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Ian Beasant said officers would use any available means to prevent the movement of illicit substances across the border.
“Our ABF officers are seizing significant quantities of illicit drugs at and beyond the border, wresting profits from the hands of criminals and intercepting anyone that may pose a threat to the community,” he said.
“Organised crime groups share one motivating factor for their nefarious activities and that is accumulating profit.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
