Former BBC actress Emaa Hussen has been arrested and charged with attempting to smuggle 320 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia as part of a drug operation valued at £160 million. The case came to light after a major investigation in Sydney.
Background of the Accused
Emaa Hussen, 34, is best known for her role as Naz Mehmet in the EastEnders spin-off series E20. She also appeared alongside actor Jason Statham in the 2013 film Redemption. Her career in entertainment has now been overshadowed by these serious allegations.
The Alleged Smuggling Operation
Authorities allege that Hussen concealed the drugs within bags of charcoal that were shipped from Ghana in West Africa. The shipment was intercepted by border officials at Port Botany in Sydney. Intelligence had been received prior to the arrival of the consignment, which was destined for a storage facility in Girraween.
Upon inspection, Border Force officers discovered a white crystallised substance inside the bags, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Hussen is accused of unloading the narcotics alongside other suspects before traveling to a property in Blacktown, where she was subsequently arrested. Investigators claim they recovered 32 bags identical to those containing the drugs from inside the premises.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Hussen now faces the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. She is charged alongside two Adelaide residents who were accused of similar offences in April 2026. The court has ordered that Hussen remain in custody until her next appearance, scheduled for August.
Police Statement
Local police commented on the scale of the operation: "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 and demonstrates the AFP's ability to operate seamlessly across borders." They added, "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."
