Priscilla Palombi: Alleged ice importer granted bail

A woman who allegedly attempted to import 4.5kg of methamphetamine into Australia via mail has been released on bail.

A Bonner woman who allegedly attempted to smuggle $4 million worth of methamphetamine through the mail has been granted bail.

Priscilla Palombi, 39, pleaded guilty after she was charged with one count of attempting to possess commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drug in November.

The court heard Palombi’s wife, Sascha Palombi, is an ADF veteran employed at the Defence Department where she holds a security clearance.

On Tuesday, ACT Magistrates Court heard Ms Palombi was the breadwinner for the defendant, who Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter described as a “housewife”, and their son.

Concerns were raised about Ms Palombi’s ability to retain her security clearance and her job because of her wife’s alleged offending.

Police seized $4 million worth of ice in November. Picture: ACT Policing

The Crown prosecutor raised concerns about the defendant attempting to interfere with witnesses, including her wife, and that she might have some involvement or knowledge about the case.

However Ms Hunter dismissed these concerns as Ms Palombi had already given evidence to police as a material witness and said she was not satisfied there was proof the defendant's wife had “criminal knowledge” of the alleged crime.

The court also heard the defendant received a message via encrypted messaging app Session from a co-accused warning her about police at her home.

Alleged ice importer Priscilla Palombi has been granted bail. Picture: ACT Policing

Palombi was granted bail with strict conditions.

A $10,000 security will be supplied by Palombi’s mother and if she fails to appear before the court Palombi will need to pay $2000 out of her own pocket.

Under bail conditions, Palombi cannot leave the ACT or be within 100 metres of a port for international departure such as Canberra Airport.

She will need to surrender any passports and is not able to use devices capable of sending encrypted messages.

Palombi cannot contact anyone co-accused of the alleged crime including through a third party.

She is subject to a strict curfew between 8pm and 6am, she must report to Gungahlin police station daily.

Palombi is not allowed to drink alcohol or take prohibited drugs including cannabis and must report to corrective services for drug and alcohol monitoring.

Palombi first appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on November 24 after 4.5kg of ice was seized by Australian Border Force from a package destined for her address.

Since her arrest on November 17 two men have been arrested in relation to the same crime.