The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced on its website on Monday that the 26-year-old woman was detained last Thursday as Australian Border Force (ABF) officers grew suspicious while inspecting her baggage upon her arrival.
The Thai national was on duty as part of an international flight crew when she landed in Melbourne. During an X-ray screening of her 12 tote bags, officers detected irregularities that prompted a thorough search.
An Australian police officer shows heroin hidden in the lining of a tote bag carried by a Thai air crew member, at Melbourne airport on June 25, 2026. Photo by Australian Federal Police
Further inspection allegedly revealed a white substance hidden within the lining of the bags. Preliminary testing indicated the substance was heroin, with an estimated street value of approximately A$500,000 (US$344,550).
The AFP did not disclose the suspect's identity, her specific role, or the name of the airline she worked for.
