Thai Airways flight attendant charged with importing heroin into Australia
Australian authorities have charged a 26-year-old Thai Airways flight attendant after allegedly finding more than 1kg of heroin hidden in her luggage at Melbourne Airport.
The woman had arrived on an international flight on 25 June while on duty as an airline employee.
Heroin worth around S$444,200 allegedly found in tote bags
Her luggage was selected for screening by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who examined 12 tote bags using X-ray scans.
Source: Khaosod
The scans reportedly detected anomalies, prompting officers to conduct a further search of the bags.
They allegedly found a white powder concealed within the bag linings. Preliminary testing indicated that the substance was heroin.
Authorities estimated the drugs to have a street value of about A$500,000 (approximately S$450,000).
Charged with importing and possessing a controlled drug
Following the discovery, the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which seized the bags and arrested the woman.
She was charged with importing and possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug under Australia’s Criminal Code.
Source: @joe_black317 on X
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
The woman appeared in court on 26 June and was remanded in custody.
She is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court again on 14 Sept.
Thai Airways says it is cooperating with authorities
Following reports of the incident, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited issued a statement confirming that one of its cabin crew members had been detained while on duty in Melbourne.
The airline said it had received a report on the matter and had begun coordinating with the relevant authorities in Thailand and Australia to establish the facts and cooperate with legal proceedings.
Source: Reiner Schneider on Pexels, for illustration purposes only
It also stressed that it has strict rules, regulations, and supervisory measures governing the conduct of all employees, including pilots and cabin crew.
“Employees are prohibited from possessing, importing, transporting, or being involved with narcotics and illegal items of any kind,” it said, adding that these rules are regularly communicated to employees before they carry out flight duties.
“If an employee is found to have committed an offence, the company will take decisive action.”
Addressing the specific case, the airline said preliminary information indicated that the matter involved an individual employee and was now subject to Australia’s judicial process.
The company added that it had coordinated with relevant agencies to ensure the employee receives basic legal rights, while continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities.
Thai Airways said it remains committed to conducting its business transparently, complying with the laws of every country it serves, and cooperating with relevant agencies throughout the legal process.
Australian authorities warn against misuse of trusted positions
AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said authorities would continue to act against individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking.
Source: @joe_black317 on X
ABF Commander Clint Sims added that organised crime groups often target “trusted insiders”, including airline crew, to move illicit drugs across borders.
He said ABF officers use intelligence-led checks and detection tools to identify such attempts, and that anyone trying to import illegal drugs into Australia would face legal action, regardless of their role or position.
Also read: 25-year-old Portuguese man arrested after attempting to smuggle 36.3kg of cannabis at Changi Airport
25-year-old Portuguese man arrested after attempting to smuggle 36.3kg of cannabis at Changi Airport
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Featured image adapted from Khaosod and @joe_black317 on X.
