A Thai Airways flight attendant has been charged after Australian Federal Police allegedly discovered more than a kilogram of heroin, worth an estimated $500,000, hidden in her luggage at Melbourne Airport. Meena Kondo, 26, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, in a case authorities say highlights concerns about airline staff exploiting their positions to smuggle drugs.

Kondo was arrested on 25 June after border officers flagged "anomalies" during an X-ray scan of her bags as she finished an international flight. Police allege the heroin was stitched into the lining of 12 tote bags, one bearing an elephant design and the word "Thailand". She has been charged with importing and possessing a marketable quantity of illicit drugs, and was remanded in custody after appearing in Melbourne Magistrates' Court, where lawyers said "resolution discussions" had begun; she is due back in court on 12 October.