Italian woman allegedly imports $1.1M of cocaine into Melbourne Airport

A 39-year-old Italian national is expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, charged with allegedly importing approximately five kilograms of cocaine into Melbourne.

Source: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

After arriving at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Rome on Sunday (12 February 2017), Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the woman for a baggage examination.

During x-ray screening of one of her bags, ABF officers will allege they discovered a false bottom, constructed using a piece of ply wood. Inside the compartment were several packages that tested positive to cocaine. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance.

The estimated street value of the cocaine is $1.1 million. These charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.