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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Blake Foden

Bonner woman charged over alleged $4m meth importation

The parcel seized as part of the investigation. Picture: Australian Border Force

A Bonner woman has been locked up over the alleged importation of more than $4 million worth of methylamphetamine, which police say would have equated to as many as 45,000 street deals.

Priscilla Palombi, 39, briefly fronted the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of imported methylamphetamine on November 17.

Defence lawyer James Maher said Ms Palombi was not making an application for bail, and Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker therefore remanded her in custody.

Authorities claim the Australian Border Force intercepted a parcel that contained about 4.5kg of methylamphetamine on November 3.

The matter was referred to ACT Policing and the drugs were replaced with an inert substance.

Police then tracked the delivery of the parcel to a Bonner home they allege was its intended destination last Wednesday.

Authorities allege the parcel was addressed to a Bonner home. Picture: Australian Border Force

Officers from the ACT Policing drugs and organised crime team subsequently raided the place and arrested Ms Palombi.

Detective Inspector Mark Steel, the officer in charge of ACT Policing's organised crime investigations, said police would continue to work with Border Force to target the importation of illegal drugs.

"This operation has stopped up to 45,000 street deals from entering the ACT community, with an estimated street value of in excess of $4 million," Detective Inspector Steel said.

"Methylamphetamine is an insidious, highly addictive drug that damages families, causes harm to the community, and it is linked to violent crimes."

Leo Lahey, the Australian Border Force commander of national port operations, said that agency's officers would continue to act "no matter how criminals attempt to conceal and move their drugs".

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"Our message to criminals is clear," he said.

"If you attempt to distribute these destructive substances, we will find you and you will face the full force of the law."

Ms Palombi's court case has been listed for the entry of a plea on December 14.

ACT Policing said its investigation was ongoing.

Police also urged anyone with information about the importation, distribution, manufacture or supply of drugs in the ACT to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

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