An airline employee who allegedly tried to smuggle AU$500,000 (NZ$610,600) worth of heroin into Australia in the lining of tote bags is facing multiple drug charges.
The 26-year-old woman from Thailand was working on an international flight when she arrived at Melbourne Airport on Thursday and had her baggage screened.
Australian Border Force officers found anomalies during X-rays of her 12 tote bags.
Further examination revealed a white powder concealed in the lining of the bags, with presumptive testing allegedly returning a positive heroin reading.
She was later charged with importing, as well as possessing, a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in jail.
It is alleged the woman was trying to import 1kg of heroin, worth about AU$500,000 (NZ$610,600), in the bags, which have been seized.
Criminal syndicates have a track record of targeting "trusted insiders", including airline crew, to attempt to smuggle drugs, Australian Border Force Commander Clint Sims said on Monday.
"Anyone attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law," he said.
"Officers use intelligence-led targeting and a range of detection capabilities to identify those individuals who attempt to breach our border controls."
The woman was arrested on Thursday and remanded in custody and will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 14.
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