Advertisement

Sydney woman charged with drug smuggling returns home

Sydney woman charged with drug smuggling returns home

A young Sydney woman at risk of facing a Chinese firing squad after being arrested on drug charges has returned home.

Kalynda Davis, who was reported missing by her family in early November, was charged with trying to smuggle 75kg of methamphetamine (ice) to Australia with her 25-year-old male companion Peter Gardiner.

Ms Davis' parents released a statement saying they happy to have their daughter home.

"We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations," the statement said.

"Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence."


"We have received so much support from family and friends. We thank everyone for the support we have received during the last month".

Ms Davis' friends and family had been concerned for weeks about the 22-year-old's whereabouts, posting their worries on social media.

She was reported missing to NSW police by a family member on November 5.

On the same day, Ms Davis, from Glenmore Park, and Mr Gardner, a New Zealander living in Richmond, flew from Sydney to Guangzhou, China.

It is believed they were due to return on November 8 before being intercepted by Chinese authorities.

In China, drug trafficking convictions carry the death penalty.

Friends of the popular 22-year-old basketball player expressed their disbelief at the news.

A long-time mate of Kalynda Davis' told AAP that the 22-year-old had "never even taken drugs let alone dealt them."

"I am really shocked, we all are, because it's a complete 360. She's never been like this, never malicious or in any way involved in that kind of underworld stuff," said Blayke Tatafu, who has known her for a decade.

"I've known her for years and I would definitely describe her as altruistic and do-gooder."

News break – December 9