Four women charged for allegedly smuggling spicy cocaine into Brisbane
The women’s unusual method to outsmart officers backfired during an alleged attempt to smuggle 30 kgs of cocaine into the country.
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Four women, including two teenagers, have been charged with allegedly attempting to smuggle 30kg spicy-soaked cocaine into Brisbane.
Two 18-year-old Australian girls flew from Hong Kong to Brisbane on July 3 when they were stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
After examining their four suitcases, officers discovered 30 bricks wrapped in towels, which had been soaked in vinegar and chilli.
The ABF alleged the bricks contained white substance, which returned a positive result for cocaine.
Police also located and arrested two people in Australia, who they allege provided instructions relating to obtaining passports, airline tickets and accommodation.
Two 18-year-old women were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance.
The other women, aged 23 and 21, were charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
All four women appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday July 4.
An 18-year-old girl was refused bail and will return to court on July 17.
The other three women were granted conditional bail and will return to court on July 18.
ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff said there was no clever way to try and smuggle drugs into the country.
“Working in close partnership with law enforcement partners, the ABF uses world-leading technology, intelligence-led targeting, and the sharp instincts of our well-trained frontline officers to stay one step ahead of criminal syndicates, no matter how clever they think they are,” he said.
“Whether it’s a few grams of cocaine in an envelope, or 30 kilograms in a suitcase, the ABF’s expertise prevents these harmful substances from making their way into the Australian community, where they can and do cause significant harm.”
Originally published as Four women charged for allegedly smuggling spicy cocaine into Brisbane