BANGKOK (AP) 鈥� The Australian police said Monday that a Thai airline employee was arrested and charged for allegedly importing more than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin into Melbourne.
The 26-year-old woman was on duty on board an international flight when she arrived at the Melbourne Airport on Thursday. She was arrested after raising suspicions during a baggage screening, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on its website.
It said an X-ray and further examinations found white powder concealed in the linings of her 12 tote bags, and the initial test reportedly returned a positive result for heroin. The amount had a street value of about 500,000 Australian dollars (about $345,000), it said.
The woman was charged with importing and possessing the drug, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment, the police said, adding that she will appear in a Melbourne court in September.
鈥淭he AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,鈥� said the agency鈥檚 Acting Commander Simone Butcher.
The Australian police did not identify the woman鈥檚 name or the airline she works for, but Thailand鈥檚 national airline Thai Airways said in a statement Monday that one of its employees was detained in Melbourne and that it has been cooperating with authorities.
The airline said it will 鈥渢ake decisive action鈥� in the event of misconduct.
鈥淓mployees are strictly prohibited from possessing, importing, transporting, or being involved in narcotics or any illegal substances or items of any kind,鈥� it said.
It also said it has been coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure access to basic legal rights for the employee.
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