Australian authorities arrested a 26-year-old Thai female airline crew member at Melbourne Airport on June 25 after detecting heroin concealed in her luggage, authorities confirmed [1, 2, 3].
Australian Border Force officers discovered the drugs through X-ray screening following the crew member's flight arrival on Thursday [2, 3]. The heroin was hidden inside the lining of two bags among 12 in a parcel linked to her [1]. One bag contained about 900 grams of suspected heroin, with total heroin weight estimated at no more than 2 kilograms [1]. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of around A$500,000 (RM1.4 million) [2].
The heroin-containing parcel was delivered in Australia shortly after noon on June 22, according to investigators [1]. On June 29, the Thai crew member was formally charged by Australian federal authorities for heroin-related offenses, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison [2].
The Thai Office of Narcotics Control Board is working with the Australian Federal Police to investigate and dismantle the suspected transnational drug trafficking network behind the shipment [1]. Local authorities cleared a delivery rider who voluntarily came forward, confirming he was not involved [1].
Thai Airways International said it is cooperating fully with authorities and is ensuring the detained crew member's legal rights are protected [3]. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand affirmed compliance with aviation security standards and said regulatory actions would follow if the personnel involved are found guilty [3].
AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said the agency is "unwavering" in targeting individuals who exploit their employment to traffic drugs [2].
