Kalynda Davis has been brought home. Source: Supplied

Kalynda Davis was covertly flown home yesterday following weeks of negotiations after a secret diplomatic rescue mission overseen by the Foreign Minister convinced Chinese officials to release her.

Kalynda’s parents say they always knew she was innocent and are relieved to have her home. Source: News Corp Australia

The 22-year-old, who was reported missing by her family in early November, was expected to face a Chinese court this week after she was accused of attempting to smuggle ice into Australia.

She was arrested on November 5 with a man she had met on Tinder just weeks earlier, New Zealand citizen Peter Gardner.

Chinese customs officers allegedly found 75kg of the illicit drug, with an estimated street value of $80 million in the pair’s luggage, leaving the student facing a death sentence.

Peter Gardiner Source: Supplied

Kalynda Davis Source: Supplied

Officials swung into action with Australian consulate staff in China spending more than three weeks in negotiations with the Chinese government to prove Ms Davis had no knowledge of alleged plans to export the illicit drugs out of China, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The mission was so secret, top government officials were only told on a “need to know” basis, and Ms Bishop was reportedly briefed “every step of the way”.

Kalynda Davis returned to her home in Glenmore yesterday. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Davis’s family confirmed that she was back home and said she was “innocent” of the allegations levelled against her.

“We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations,” her parents said.

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

Mr Gardner is believed to still be overseas and possibly facing the death penalty.

“To the family of Mr Peter Gardner, we will continue to pray for Peter and your family,” Ms Davis’s parents said.

“You are always in our thoughts.”