Thai Airways joins heroin smuggling investigation as crew arrested in Australia

An Australian police officer shows heroin hidden in the lining of a tote bag carried by a Thai air crew member, at Melbourne airport on June 25, 2026. Photo by Australian Federal Police

Thai Airways International has said that it pledges full cooperation with Australian authorities after a Thai air hostess was arrested and heroin seized from her bags at Melbourne airport.

The 26-year-old woman was arrested after 1 kg of heroin was found hidden in her luggage after she arrived at Melbourne airport on June 25.

She was carrying 12 tote bags, and the heroine was in the lining. The amount has a street value of about A$500,000 (US$345,000).

She was charged with importing and possessing the drug, which carries a maximum imprisonment sentence of 25 years, the police said, adding that she will appear in a Melbourne court on Sept. 14.

The airline said it will take decisive action in the event of misconduct, adding that it has been coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure access to basic legal rights for the employee.