Two Canadian women were arrested and charged yesterday (Friday 30 October 2015) with allegedly importing eight kilograms of cocaine in luggage. 

The women, aged 28 and 26, were questioned by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers after arriving at Sydney International Airport on a flight from the United States.

ABF officers examined the women’s luggage and found a quantity of white powder concealed within the lining of each of their bags.

Initial testing of the powder was positive for cocaine. Further testing will be conducted to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

The women were transferred into the custody of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who charged both women with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to Section 307.1 of　theCriminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

ABF Regional Commander NSW Tim Fitzgerald said ABF officers are dedicated to protecting the Australian community from the harms of illegal drugs.

“Our officers are on the frontline in the fight to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets and out of our homes,” Commander Fitzgerald said.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Paul Osborne said anyone caught trying to import illicit drugs into Australia would be met with the full force of the law.

“These arrests are yet another example of our growing capacity to identify and disrupt the importation of drugs through our airports,” Commander Osborne said.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure offenders are caught and made accountable.”

This matter was heard in Parramatta Local Court today. The two women were remanded in custody until their next mention at Central Local Court on Wednesday 11 November 2015.