Fatima Zalghout, Rashed Wannous: Couple charged with attempting to possess imported cocaine

A Telstra worker who allegedly attempted to possess kilograms of cocaine delivered in various parcels from Germany and Belgium into Australia with her husband has fronted court for the first time.

Fatima Zalghout, 43, appeared before the Downing Centre local court. Picture: NCA NewsWire

A Telstra worker who allegedly attempted to possess kilograms of cocaine delivered in various parcels from Germany and Belgium into Australia with her husband has fronted court for the first time.

Fatima Zalghout, 43, and her husband Rashed Wannous, 42, were arrested in a raid on May 31 at their Illawong home and were charged with possessing a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs and dealing with the property proceeds of crime.

Zalghout appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday with her lawyer Daniel Kradolfor.

The matter was adjourned to September 27 with magistrate Brett Shield continuing Zalghout’s bail which was granted on July 14. The 43-year-old has been excused from attending court on her next appearance.

A police statement of facts previously tendered to court state German customs officials intercepted a parcel addressed to Zalghout, to be delivered to her previous home with Wannous on Jubilee Cct, Rosemeadow on July 26, 2022.

Fatima Zalghout, 43, and Rashed Wannous were refused bail in Sutherland Local Court for serious drug importation charges. Picture: Facebook.

Inside the wall of the cardboard box was allegedly several plastic bags containing 1.8kg of cocaine, which were seized, and remain with German customs.

After the Australian Border Force intercepted a fourth parcel allegedly addressed to Zalghout containing art products with allegedly 2kg of cocaine inside, police started listening to the couple’s mobile phone calls.

The couple were arrested on May 31 where their home was searched and four packages containing white powder, which is yet to be tested, was allegedly found inside the fireplace. Electronic devices, SIM cards and $4710 in cash were also seized.

Rik Hernandez also appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday via videolink where he made no application for bail. His matter was adjourned for September 27 at the same court, with the matter listed for a Supreme Court bail hearing later this month.