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The two New Zealand women accused of importing 36kg of methamphetamine, estimated to be worth $37.7 million, into Australia can now be named as Karina Here McGaw and Emily Jade Grindlay.

The women, both 22, had their baggage searched after arriving at Melbourne Airport from Malaysia on Monday.

Australian Border Force officers allegedly found a white crystalline substance in each of the women’s suitcases, totalling about 36kg, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Emily Grindlay (top) and Karina McGaw. Photo / Instagram

The case was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who arrested the women at the airport.

Both have been charged with the importation and possession of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police estimate the value of the meth is more than A$33 million (NZ$37.7m) and could have been distributed in 360,000 street deals.

Karina McGaw (left) and Emily Grindlay. Photo / Instagram

McGaw and Grindlay appeared in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody until their next appearance in March.

Social media accounts for the pair reveal they have recently spent time together in Thailand.

On September 27, Grindlay posted a message for McGaw on Instagram for her birthday.

“Best friend is defined as a person’s closest friend. That description isn’t enough. No words could be combined with enough meaning to express the closeness, bond and utter love I hold for you,” Grindlay wrote.

“I hope you know you are irreplaceable, iridescent, and intelligent … I hope you know I couldn’t be me without well, you. Happy Birthday Karina xx.”

McGaw responded with: “I love you so much.”

Other images show the women travelling together through various Asian countries.

In December, McGaw posted a message for her friend’s 22nd birthday.

“A day late but everyone still needs to know it was my bestie’s birthday. I can’t wait to travel the rest of the world together and maybe one day beat the dating allegations. Love you always,” she wrote.

“To many more adventures,” Grindlay replied.

Images of the Kiwi nationals being stopped at Melbourne. Photo / Australian Federal Police

Police allege the women had 36kg of methamphetamine in their luggage. Photo / Australian Federal Police

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Jarrod Ragg said federal police were committed to “defending Australia from drug imports and trafficking”.

“We remain focused on disrupting criminals who seek to wreak harm and havoc in our communities through illicit substances.

“Methamphetamine is linked to domestic violence, assaults on medical professionals and violence on our streets. The AFP stands ready and able to respond to those who are willing to risk this social harm for personal profit and greed.”

The Australian Border Force allegedly found a white crystal substance in the women's suitcases, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Photo / Australian Federal Police

ABF Acting Superintendent Ian Beasant said “accumulating profit” was the one motivating factor that linked organised crime.

“The ABF will continue working closely with our partners using intelligence-led targeting to ensure our border is secure … [and use] any available means to prevent the movement of illicit substances across the border.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the Herald that consular officials were responding to the arrest of two New Zealanders in Melbourne.

The drugs were found in the women's luggage during an airport search on November 24. Photo / Instagram

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on