A Queensland woman is scheduled to appear in court today following a significant discovery at Sydney Airport, where authorities allegedly found 39 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in her luggage and coated in chili flakes.

Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) reportedly uncovered the drugs during a baggage inspection after selecting the 20-year-old for scrutiny upon her arrival from Los Angeles yesterday.

Preliminary tests conducted on the substances found in two suitcases suggested they were indeed methamphetamine.

After the discovery, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were alerted and subsequently charged the woman with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance.

If convicted, the charge could lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Detective Acting Inspector Amy Knox from the AFP highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the seized methamphetamine could have been divided into 390,000 individual street doses, potentially generating over $36 million for criminal enterprises.

“We know the devastating impact methamphetamine and other drugs have on individuals and our communities – that’s why we’re working closely with ABF and other partners to stop the flow of illicit drugs,” Knox said.

“Every detection of drugs at the border keeps Australia safer and ensures that drug traffickers cannot reap profits by exploiting the Australian community.

“If someone asks you to carry a suitcase or package overseas and you suspect it could be illegal, refuse the request and contact police immediately. Don’t take risks, nothing is worth jeopardising your safety or freedom.”

“Criminal syndicates are exploiting young travellers who may not understand the risks of importing border-controlled drugs into Australia, all for their own financial gain,” ABF Superintendent Elke West said.

“We too often see people from all walks of life enticed into situations by organised crime groups, for which the individual doing the dirty work faces very real consequences.

“The ABF’s intelligence-led targeting continues to result in significant quantities of illicit drugs being stopped at the border.

“Our officers will continue to work around the clock to ensure the border remains a hostile environment for those doing the wrong thing.”