Chinese authorities have released a Sydney woman without charge after accusations she tried to import the drug crystal methamphetamine, or ice, into Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
Kalynda Davis, 22, has been in custody in China for the past fortnight.
Kalynda Davis has returned to Australia without charge.
Ms Davis and her New Zealand partner Peter Gardner, who also has Australian citizenship, were arrested at a Chinese airport after allegedly being caught with 36 kilos of the drug ice in their luggage.
The pair tried to board a flight for Australia out of Guangzhou International airport, but Chinese customs officials told the ABC that ice appeared on a scan of their luggage.
They were accused of trying to import the drug into Australia and potentially faced the death penalty for the crime.
Australian authorities have confirmed Ms Davis has been released without charge and has returned home, while the fate of Mr Gardner is unclear.
It is understood he remains in police custody in China.
There is a flourishing drug trade between southern China and Australia and in recent times increased cooperation between the Australian Federal Police and their Chinese counterparts has led to a series of major busts.
Top Comments
I can totally see the Australian Orange is the New Black right here, pity she didn't go to prison :p
I will reserve judgement to see if this becomes a media feeding frenzy here