Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for smuggling seven kilograms of cocaine and heroin into Taiwan.
The 58-year-old was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport in December 2023 after the drugs, worth $40 million NT, were discovered in her luggage.
Initially denying any knowledge of the drugs, Voulgaris later admitted she had agreed to transport them in exchange for money, flights and accommodation. She claimed her ex-husband, John Voulgaris, was behind the scheme, though he failed to appear in court when summoned.
Despite Taiwan’s severe drug smuggling penalties, which include life imprisonment or the death sentence, the judge reduced her term due to her guilty plea and financial circumstances.
Voulgaris’ family continues to support her, launching petitions and fundraising efforts for visits.
She will be deported to Australia upon her release.
Source: 7news
