Four women in Brisbane have been charged for their alleged roles in a failed plot to import 30kg of cocaine, wrapped in towels soaked in vinegar and chilli, into Australia.

Two women, both aged 18, were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).

The other women, aged 23 and 21, were charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth).

Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Investigations began after the two 18-year-olds flew into Brisbane from Hong Kong on 3 July, 2025.

The Australian nationals were stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers on arrival.

ABF officers examined four suitcases in their possession and allegedly found 20 bricks wrapped in towels covered in vinegar and chilli. The bricks allegedly contained a white substance which returned a positive presumptive test for cocaine.

Subsequent investigations identified two individuals in Australia who had provided instructions relating to obtaining passports, airline tickets and accommodation, who were located and arrested.

All four women appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court today (4 July, 2025). An 18-year-old woman was formally refused bail and will return to the same court on 17 July, 2025.

The other three women were granted conditional bail and are expected to return to the same court on 18 July, 2025.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott said criminals would go to great, and sometimes novel, lengths to import drugs into the country.

“The AFP and ABF work closely every day to disrupt criminal efforts to bring harmful drugs into our country,” Det a/Supt Scott said.

“Anyone who attempts to import drugs will be stopped and met with the full force of the law. We thank all officers involved for their swift and exemplary work in stopping this brazen importation.”

ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff warned criminals there was no clever way of importing drugs into Australia, given the expert skills and experience of ABF officers.

“These detections are critical to protecting our communities from the devastating harm caused by drug trafficking,” a/Commander Sokoloff said.

“Working in close partnership with law enforcement partners, the ABF uses world-leading technology, intelligence-led targeting, and the sharp instincts of our well-trained frontline officers to stay one step ahead of criminal syndicates, no matter how clever they think they are.”

“ABF officers quickly responded to this attempt resulting in this impressive outcome. Whether it’s a few grams of cocaine in an envelope, or 30 kilograms in a suitcase, the ABF’s expertise prevents these harmful substances from making their way into the Australian community, where they can and do cause significant harm.”