Drug smugglers in underwear, a former Malaysian flight attendant jailed in Australia

A former Malaysian flight attendant who was arrested for smuggling millions of dollars worth of heroin into her underwear last year has been jailed in Australia.

KUALA LUMPUR: A former Malaysian stewardess who was arrested for smuggling millions of dollars worth of heroin into her underwear last year has been jailed in Australia.

The Australian District Court on Thursday sentenced Zailee Zainal, 40, to nine years and six months in prison.

However, the mother of three has the opportunity to be released after serving a three-year sentence.

According to Australian media, District Court Judge Michael Cahill says Zailee deserves to be relieved as she desperately needs funds to pay for her daughter's rising medical bills.

Zailee was sentenced in 2019, after heroin worth millions of dollars was found hidden in her underwear.

Evidence to the court found that Zailee was offered A $ 6,500 to smuggle heroin worth about A $ 3 million to Australia.

Cahill said Zailee was desperate to raise money to pay for her son's medical expenses.

"There are times when we need mercy in sentencing. You feel like you have no choice but to commit a crime," the judge said.

Zailee was reportedly "very sorry" and had written a letter of apology, Cahill added.

Zailee, who works with Malindo Air Airlines, fell victim to a drug syndicate because they knew she desperately needed money.

The court was told that Zailee had to sell brownies and Tupperware to earn extra money earlier.

An acquaintance then offered the job as a drug carrier.

"I am weak and willing to do anything," Zailee said in her defense.

Between October 2018 and January 2019, Zailee had made eight trips to Australia, and smuggled more than 4 kilograms of heroin.