Media Release
Woman charged over alleged 15kg methamphetamine importation attempt into Sydney Airport
This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF)
Editor’s note: images of the seizure are available via Hightail.
A NSW woman is expected to face court in Sydney today after allegedly trying to import 15kg of methamphetamine into Australia, hidden in her luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the Bonnyrigg woman, 40, for a routine examination after she arrived at Sydney International Airport on 26 December, 2025.
The ABF allegedly found 18 vacuum-sealed bags labelled as “tea” and containing a clear crystalline substance in the woman’s luggage. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated weight of 15kg.
The matter was handed over to AFP officers, who arrested the woman and seized the illicit drugs.
The seizure has an estimated street value of more than $13 million and could have equated to 150 000 individual street deals.*
The woman was charged with:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The woman is expected to appear in Bail Division Local Court today (27 December, 2025).
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and ABF continued to see individuals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia in their luggage.
“This is an important reminder for travellers – individuals or groups offering money to move luggage are not to be trusted, and the reward is not worth the consequences,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“Trafficking drugs in your luggage, either knowingly or unknowingly, is a criminal offence, and if caught, you face losing some of the best years of your life sitting in a prison cell either in Australia or overseas.
“The AFP is working closely with our partners at the border and overseas to disrupt these importations before the drugs ever hit our streets.
“This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target.”
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the prevention of drug importation was a priority and ABF officers remained steadfast in their efforts.
“We are always on alert to detect and stop the importation of illicit substances coming into Australia to protect our community from harm," Superintendent West said.
“No matter how these drug traffickers attempt to conceal and move their drugs, our profiling and intelligence holdings means we will always be one step ahead and we will continue to prevent dangerous drugs from reaching our community."
*Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Drug Calculator.
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
