A British actress has been charged with importing nearly A$300m worth of methamphetamine into Australia, in what authorities describe as one of the largest drug hauls in the country's history. The 29-year-old, who appeared in a popular British soap opera, was arrested at Sydney Airport after a joint operation by the Australian Federal Police and the UK's National Crime Agency.
Sources confirm the woman was flying from Los Angeles when customs officers found 30kg of the drug concealed in her luggage. The street value of the seizure is estimated at A$297m. This is not a case of a naive traveller. This is a sophisticated operation and the evidence points to organised crime.
The actress, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She appeared in a Sydney court today and was remanded in custody.
Uncovered documents show the arrest came after a six-month investigation targeting a transnational drug syndicate. Police believe the meth was destined for distribution across New South Wales. This is a significant blow to the drug trade but we are not naive about the scale of the problem.
The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The actress had recently been cast in a new film and was reportedly in Australia for pre-production. Her co-stars have expressed disbelief. But the evidence is overwhelming. The money trail never lies.
The arrest follows a string of high-profile drug cases involving Australian celebrities. But this is different. The amount is staggering. The value alone suggests connections to the highest levels of organised crime. We are talking about a network that spans continents.
The AFP has confirmed the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected. They are working closely with international partners to dismantle the syndicate. The actress's family have declined to comment.
This is a story about power, greed and the toxic lure of quick money. It is a story that begins in boardrooms and ends in airport security sheds. And it is far from over.
