An Adelaide woman has appeared in court, accused of being part of a plot to smuggle cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding $20 million into South Australia.
Alleged Smuggling Operation Uncovered
Leandra Ryan, aged 30, and her co-accused, Zach Cuso, were arrested by detectives in October. The arrests followed a police operation that allegedly uncovered 62 individually wrapped packages of a white powder concealed inside a wheel-balancing machine.
The industrial equipment was located in the suburb of Kensington Park, in Adelaide's eastern suburbs. Forensic testing led authorities to believe the packages contained cocaine.
Serious Charges and Potential Penalties
Ryan has been charged with importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. She also faces one count of failing to comply with an order to assist authorities in accessing a computer.
She has not yet entered a plea to these charges. The offence of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Zach Cuso faces the same primary drug importation and possession charges and is also yet to enter a plea. He did not appear in court on Friday, with the court advised he is currently in hospital receiving treatment for viral meningitis.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The case against both accused individuals is progressing through the South Australian legal system. Following their recent court mentions, the matter has been adjourned.
Both Ryan and Cuso are expected to return to court in March for further proceedings. Police investigations into the importation attempt are likely ongoing.
