Did Two French Women Attempt to Smuggle Meth into Australia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two French women were charged with smuggling methamphetamine.
- Authorities seized 32 kg of methamphetamine, valued at over 29 million AUD.
- The women face serious charges, including potential life imprisonment.
- They were likely part of a larger drug trafficking network.
- This incident highlights ongoing challenges in border security.
Sydney, July 13 (NationPress) Two French women have been charged in connection with an alleged attempt to import over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia through their luggage.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) announced on Sunday that the women, aged 19 and 20, were intercepted upon arriving at the Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Southeast Asia last Tuesday afternoon.
Following a thorough search of their luggage, ABF officers discovered 32 individually-wrapped bricks of a white substance, which was subsequently tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The case was transferred to the AFP, who confiscated the 32 kg of methamphetamine and took the two French nationals into custody.
According to AFP estimates, the street value of the seized drugs exceeds 29 million Australian dollars (approximately 19 million US dollars), which could translate to around 320,000 street-level deals.
Both suspects are facing one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance, with a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
The ABF noted that the French nationals were targeted based on intelligence reports and travel patterns resembling those of another group of four women arrested earlier in July for allegedly attempting to smuggle 30 kg of cocaine into Australia.
Acting ABF Commander Troy Sokoloff stated, "It is highly improbable that these young women acted independently; instead, they are likely part of a larger network. This outcome sends a clear message that the ABF will persist in detecting and dismantling these syndicates."