A former EastEnders actress has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle 320 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia from Ghana. Emaa Hussen, who appeared in the soap's web spin-off E20, faced a Sydney court on Thursday, charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of the drug, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Australian law.
Details of the Alleged Plot
Police allege that Hussen, 34, was part of a group that attempted to import the drugs concealed inside bags of charcoal shipped from Ghana. The haul had an estimated street value of A$296 million (£157 million). The investigation began in April after Australian Border Force officers detected anomalies in two shipping containers that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany. X-ray scans revealed a “white crystalline substance” hidden among the charcoal, which was later confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Investigators allege that the drugs were removed before the shipment was delivered to a storage facility in western Sydney, where Hussen allegedly supervised the unloading of the container. Police claim several bags were then transported to a property in Blacktown, where Hussen was arrested. Officers also seized electronic devices and a notebook.
Other Charges and Court Proceedings
Two other individuals, a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man from Adelaide, have also been charged after allegedly using false identities to rent the Sydney storage units where the shipment was delivered. Hussen, who was refused bail in a prior hearing, is due to return to court in August.
Actress's Background
Hussen played the character Naz in the 2010 EastEnders spin-off E20 and also appeared alongside Vicky McClure and Jason Statham in the 2013 thriller Hummingbird, written and directed by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Police Statements
Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson from the Australian Federal Police said: “The seizure of these drugs - with an estimated street value of $296 million - has prevented a potential 3.2 million deals from reaching Australian streets.” Australian Border Force Superintendent Jared Leighton praised his officers, adding: “Criminal syndicates will go to great lengths to disguise illicit drugs, including embedding them in everyday goods like charcoal, but our highly skilled officers are trained to see beyond these attempts.”
