The heroin found in the luggage. Photo: AFP.
A 75-year-old NSW woman will serve at least eight years behind bars after a third conviction for importing heroin.
The Cabramatta woman, 75, was sentenced to 12 years’ jail by the Victorian Country Court on April 1 with eight years non-parole for importing 5.1kg of heroin in her luggage.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) say that on January, 26, 2024, officers at Melbourne Airport stopped her after she flew in from Laos.
A search of her luggage, and subsequent confirmation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), found 5.1kg of heroin.
At a hearing on March 13, 2025, in the Victorian County Court, she pleaded guilty to one count of importing a commercial quantity of heroin under the Criminal Code. She had two previous convictions for the same offence in NSW, the AFP said.
WARNING TO OTHERS
AFP Acting Commander Jason McArthur said the case highlighted the ruthless nature of criminal networks in their pursuit of profits and callous disregard for those that they use.
“Criminals have zero regard for the people they involve in their crimes, or the devastating impact of illicit drugs on members of our society,” he says.
“If this amount of heroin had reached our streets, it could have caused significant harm.
“This is why the AFP and the ABF work so closely to disrupt these criminal enterprises and prevent illicit substances from inflicting pain and suffering on our community,” Acting-Comm. McArthur said.
ABF Acting Superintendent Costas Karatzas said the case should serve as warning to drug traffickers.
“The ABF is well versed in concealment methods favoured by organised crime, including the use of drug mules, and our officers are highly skilled in assessing and preventing any risks to our border,” Acting Superintendent Karatzas said.
“The ABF along with the AFP remain committed to combatting the scourge of criminal elements trying to peddle highly-addictive drugs into the community.”
