Donna Riccobono charged after more than $200,000 worth of meth found in luggage at Adelaide Airport

A woman arriving from the US in Adelaide was allegedly caught with kilos of meth inside her luggage.

An American woman landing in Adelaide Airport on Friday has been arrested for allegedly trafficking more than 2kg of methamphetamine in her suitcase.

On Monday, Donna Riccobono, 60, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

The maximum sentence for this offence is life imprisonment.

It will be alleged that during her arrival, Ms Riccobono was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force officers.

During the search, officers located two vacuum-sealed plastic bags of clothing contained within one of the woman’s suitcases.

Donna Riccobono was arrested after the Australian Border Force searched her luggage and discovered more than 2kg of Methamphetamine in her suitcase. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Inside, officers allegedly found a white powdery substance wrapped and placed inside the clothing.

Presumptive testing indicated the substance was likely to be meth.

Border Force officers reported Ms Riccobono to Australian Federal Police officers who questioned the woman.

Investigators allegedly identified about 2kg of methamphetamine in her luggage – which is believed to have an estimated street value of more than $200,000.

During her first court appearance before Magistrate Simon Smart, Ms Riccobono made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to face court at a later date.

AFP Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said the AFP and its state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners work tirelessly to combat the supply of illicit drugs into Australia.

“Unfortunately, the market for illicit drugs in Australia is strong. However, the AFP, ABF and our partners are relentless in disrupting all levels of the drug trade and stopping anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our community,” Superintendent Lalic said.

Her suitcase was seized as evidence for further investigation. Picture: Australian Federal Police

“Across Australia, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues.

“That has an impact on the health system that can negatively affect the entire community.”

ABF Chief Superintendent Bart England said the ABF, alongside its partner agencies in Australia and abroad, were cracking down on the global criminal networks that fuel Australian deaths due to drugs.

“Methamphetamine is an incredibly destructive drug. It is extremely addictive. It rips apart families and does untold damage to those who become trapped in its grip,” Superintendent England said.

“Keeping illicit substances out of the hands of criminals who try to make a profit at the expense of vulnerable members of the community is a high priority for the ABF.

“Our message is clear: whatever illicit substance criminals try to import, and however they try to hide it, we will detect it and they will face significant penalties.”