Four Women Arrested in Brisbane Over Alleged Cocaine-Smuggling Attempt with Vinegar and Chilli-Soaked Towels

Police have charged four women in Brisbane over an alleged failed attempt to import 30 kilograms of cocaine into Australia with an estimated street value of $9.75 million.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleges two 18-year-olds tried to smuggle in drugs wrapped in towels soaked in vinegar and chilli.

The Australian nationals were stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers when they arrived in Brisbane on a flight from Vancouver, via Hong Kong on July 3.

Four suitcases were searched and police say they contained 20 bricks of a white substance which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine.

They were each charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled substance.

Two other women, who police allege provided them with instructions relating to obtaining passports, airline tickets and accommodation, have also been arrested.

The 23-year-old and a 21-year-old have been charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff said criminal syndicates would employ \"a number of different methodologies\" to avoid detection.

He characterised the alleged use of chilli and vinegar-soaked towels as an \"interesting\" approach.

Cases will return to court next month.

Police say all four women appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday and three were granted bail.

One of the 18-year-olds was refused bail.

All are expected to return to court in July.

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,\" she said in a statement.

\"Anyone who attempts to import drugs will be stopped and met with the full force of the law.\"

The AFP urges anyone who sees suspicious behaviour at airports to report it.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.