US woman Pamela Blanks allegedly imported 17kg meth into Australia
A United States national who planned to stay in a luxurious Sydney hotel wound up behind bars after allegedly smuggling 17kg of meth into Australia. Find out how she was caught.
Central Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A United States national’s missing luggage search allegedly led to the discovery of 17kg of meth.
Pamela Blanks had planned to stay at Sydney Harbour Hotel while holidaying in Australia, however wound up behind bars.
The 50-year-old was excused from appearing at Downing Centre Local Court on Friday after being charged with importing a commercial quantity of a drug into Australia.
She has not entered any pleas.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) state that Blanks arrived at Sydney Airport from San Francisco on April 10 and told airline staff she had lost her luggage.
Her luggage was found in the baggage claims area before being handed to Australian Border Force (ABF) and then referred to the AFP.
The AFP stated officers allegedly found 17kg of meth in vacuum-sealed packages tucked into packing cubes in the suitcase.
The luggage, a mobile phone and other personal belongings was seized for forensic testing.
When the matter was mentioned in court, Magistrate Megan Greenwood said Blanks did not apply for bail and adjourned the case to June 4.
Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP and its law enforcement partners would work together to stop criminals from using air travel channels to import drugs into the country.
“The AFP is committed to disrupting criminal networks and their blatant disregard for the health and wellbeing of our community,” Mr Fogarty said.
Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers worked closely with airport staff to identify and intercept potential threats.
“The Australian Border Force and our partners are always on the lookout for suspicious passenger behaviour. If you attempt to import illicit drugs into this country, you will be stopped in your tracks,” he said.
Got a news tip? Email savannah.pocock@news.com.au
Deli’s outdoor dining dream benched over ‘public safety’
The owner of a wildly popular Sydney deli has been left stunned after the City of Sydney council banned her from placing outdoor seating for diners in a stoush over pedestrian safety and ‘public dangers’.
Luxury French fashion house proposed for grand central arcade
Sydneysiders’ appetite for couture is being met with a flashy fashion chain to open its fifth store in the city, and in one of the country’s grandest arcades. Here is what we know.