Australian police arrested a 26-year-old Thai flight attendant after she smuggled more than one kilogram of heroin through Melbourne Airport, concealed in 12 cloth bags valued at over 10 million baht on the black market.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed that the 26-year-old Thai woman, working as a flight attendant on an international flight, arrived at Melbourne Airport on 25 June 2026, where Australian Border Force (ABF) officers randomly inspected her luggage.
During an X-ray screening, officers detected irregularities in 12 cloth bags belonging to the suspect, prompting a thorough examination that uncovered white powder concealed inside the linings of the bags.
Preliminary testing identified the substance as heroin, with a total weight exceeding one kilogram and an estimated black market value of about 500,000 Australian dollars, equivalent to over 10 million baht.
After the seizure, ABF coordinated with the Australian Federal Police to detain the woman and seize all evidence.
The police charged her with two serious offenses:
- Importing controlled drugs across the border in commercial quantities, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.
- Possessing controlled drugs across the border in commercial quantities, also punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Reports state that on 26 June, the court denied bail, and the suspect is scheduled to appear again at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 14 September 2026.
Acting AFP Commissioner Simone Butcher said police will prosecute anyone who abuses their position or trust to facilitate drug trafficking networks. She emphasized that the AFP will continue close cooperation with partner agencies to intercept drug smuggling and protect communities from illegal narcotics.
Australian Border Force Commissioner Clint Sims stated that criminal groups continue to attempt infiltration by using trusted personnel, including airline crew and staff, to smuggle drugs into Australia. He affirmed that regardless of rank or role, anyone caught smuggling drugs will face the full force of the law. He confirmed that ABF officials maintain strict intelligence systems and detection technologies to safeguard border security and continuously disrupt drug trafficking networks.
:SourceAustralian Federal Police
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