French Woman Arrested at Perth Airport for Drug Smuggling After Thailand Departure

PERTH, Australia – Australian authorities have arrested a 31-year-old French woman after she arrived from Thailand and was found allegedly concealing illegal drugs inside a bottle labeled as shower cream at Perth Airport. The arrest was carried out by the Australian Federal Police in cooperation with the Australian Border Force on May 29, with the suspect later appearing in Perth Magistrates Court on June 26. According to authorities, officers inspected the woman’s luggage upon arrival and discovered a small plastic bottle labeled as shower cream. However, laboratory analysis revealed it contained approximately 50 grams of butanediol, a controlled chemical under Australian border laws. Investigators also searched her mobile phone and reportedly found images suggesting she may have used internal concealment methods to smuggle illegal substances. She was subsequently transferred to AFP custody for further investigation. Authorities later confirmed that 40 steroid tablets were recovered after being expelled by the suspect during detention procedures. The woman has been charged with importing controlled drugs in commercial quantities under Section 307.2 of Australia’s Criminal Code, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison. ABF officials warned that butanediol is a highly dangerous substance that can convert into GHB in the human body, a powerful sedative known as a “date-rape drug,” and is classified as a prohibited border-controlled substance in Australia due to its severe health risks. Officials from both AFP and ABF said border security checks remain strict at all international entry points, and warned that drug smuggling offences will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.