Thai Airways employee arrested in Australia after heroin found in bags

SYDNEY/BANGKOK: A Thai airline employee was charged with importing more than a ​kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin into Australia after customs officials found ‌the drug concealed in tote bags, Australian Federal Police said.

The 26-year-old woman, who national flag carrier Thai Airways said was working as ​a flight attendant when she arrived at Melbourne Airport ​on June 25, had 12 tote bags screened ⁠by border officers, police said.

The heroin, found hidden ​in the lining of the bags, had an estimated street ​value of A$500,000 ($343,300).

She faces one count of importing and one count of possession of a marketable quantity of a border controlled ​drug. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 ​years’ imprisonment.

The woman was remanded in custody on June 26 and ‌is ⁠due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 14.

Thai Airways said in a statement it had strict rules governing the conduct of all employees and “stands ready to ​fully cooperate ​with the relevant ⁠authorities throughout the process”.

“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who ​use their employment or community standing to ​support drug ⁠trafficking,” said Australian Federal Police Acting Commander Simone Butcher.

Australian Border Force Commander Clint Sims said criminal syndicates continued to ⁠target ​trusted insiders, including airline crew, to ​smuggle illicit substances into Australia.