Penrith woman Kalynda Davis, 22, was allegedly caught trying to smuggle 75 kilograms of "ice" out of China. She has now been returned home.
Kalynda Davis, a woman believed to have been held in China on suspicion of smuggling a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, has returned home to Sydney's western suburbs.
Ms Davis' parents said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that they were happy to have her home in Glenmore Park.
It's believed Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop gave her support to consular officials in China who negotiated for Ms Davis' release.Â
Ms Davis was facing the possibility of death by firing squad if convicted of drug smuggling.Â
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China's drug laws state that people found guilty of possessing more than 50 grams of meth or heroin, or other narcotic drugs of "large quantities", can be subject to the death penalty.
"We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations. Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence," the statement said.
Ms Davis was reported missing by her family on November 5 but surfaced in custody in China days later with a 25 year-old Richmond man, Peter Gardner.
It has been reported that she only met Mr Gardiner weeks earlier.
Friends said they always knew she was innocent and couldn't wait to give her a "big hug" now that she was home.
"So many emotions all at once," posted Louise Richardson on Facebook. "Over the moon happy for Kalynda, her family and friends that she's finally back on Australian soil! Can't wait to eventually see her and give her a great big fat hug!"
A fellow student from Penrith Anglican School, Sam Cuff, posted online: "So happy you're home kalynda can't wait to give you a big hug."Â
The 22-year-old's parents, Larry and Jenny Davis, thanked the Chinese authorities for their "professional and honourable investigation" into the incident.Â
Mr Davis, an ANZ banker and former police officer, engaged solicitors in Sydney and China to help negotiate his daughter's release.
It is not known whether Mr Gardiner, the man who was arrested with her, has also returned. Ms Davis' parents said they would continue to pray for him and his family.Â
Ms Davis was initially accused of smuggling 75 kilograms of the drug "ice" out of the China. The pair were stopped at the airport trying to leave Guangzhou.
Consular staff and the family of the young woman had closed ranks on Friday in the hope of minimising publicity on the case.
More to comeÂ