CANBERRA, ACT, May 29 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
A US national has been sentenced by the Melbourne County Court after importing 12 kilograms of cocaine into Victoria in 2025.
The woman, 34, was sentenced to eight years and 10 months' jail, with a non-parole period of five years and eight months, after pleading guilty on 27 May, 2026, to one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The AFP began investigating the woman in February, 2025, after screening of a phone belonging to another US national by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Melbourne Airport revealed text exchanges with the woman containing images of suspected cocaine blocks.
The ABF alerted the AFP, which worked to identify and locate the woman, who had checked into multiple hotels across the Melbourne CBD.
AFP members subsequently attended one of the hotels and arrested the woman.
During a search of one of those hotel rooms, near Flagstaff, they discovered blocks of cocaine concealed in duffle bags.
The total seizure weighed about 12kg, which has a street value of almost $4 million, equivalent to about 60,000 street-level deals.
AFP Commander Nick Read said the AFP was committed to intercepting those who came into the country on a mission to exploit vulnerable Australians.
"Criminals who intend to come to Australia with the objective to profit from the harm and misery caused by illicit drugs should expect to be detected, arrested and bought before the courts," Commander Read said.
"Every kilogram of illicit drugs seized is a significant blow to criminal networks seeking to exploit our community for financial gain."
ABF Commander Clinton Sims said the ABF remains on high alert at Australia's borders, working with key counterparts to intercept and dismantle organised crime groups.
"The ABF is committed to targeting criminal activity, including threats posed at and beyond the border," Commander Sims said.
"We continue to work closely alongside the AFP and our law enforcement partners through joint cooperation to ensure the community is protected."
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
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.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297
Connect with us:
Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
