Brisbane woman Arrested over Meth Importation
By Harry Taruva
A woman from Brisbane,Australia has been arrested and charged for allegedly facilitating the importation of 71.5kg of methamphetamine from Papa New Guinea to Australia in 2023 Kwedu News has learnt.
In a joint media release ,the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Police Force,
Queensland Police service, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the Royal Papa New Guinea Constabulary said a 41 year old woman appeared before Brisbane Magistrate Court on 17th January 2024 and was denied bail. She is expected back in court on the 1st of March 2024.
The arrest of this woman came after six people were arrested in Australia and 8 people in PNG in march last year all alleged to be part of a transnational crime syndicate.
The arrests were made after Police intercepted
the flight when it landed in rural Queensland to refuel.Police allege the drugs were destined for New South Wales.
The police statement said that police executed a search warrant on a property operated by the woman in Queensland and it was established that the drugs had been stored on a commercial property operated by the woman in PNG.
AFP Commander Investigations Eastern Comm and Kate Ferry praised the AFP and its partners for diligent and relentless work.
“Criminals will go to great, and often dangerous, lengths to get drugs into Australia, and this matter is an example of that. This investigation is also an example of how the AFP will continue to pursue organised crime groups no matter what state or country they operate in, or how long it takes,” Commander Ferry said.
“Methamphetamine is an insidious drug that has ripple effects on the user, their loved ones and the wider community. This importation had an estimated street value of more than $15 million.” Commander Ferry said.
Investigations into how the drugs entered PNG remain ongoing.
The AFP-led joint investigation, codenamed Operation Gepard, involved members from NSW Police Force, Queensland Police Services, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary..
Meanwhile the tools cited below are available in Australia to support people affected by illicit drugs.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
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