It’s fair to say that convicted drug smuggler is not happy with a story that 9 News Queensland ran about her on Thursday evening.
Shortly after the Queensland edition of the news ran an exclusive story about Corby and the secrets behind the elaborate operation to bring her home to Australia, both Corby and sister Mercedes slammed 9 News for running what they called a fake news story.
During the segment, 9 News reporter Tim Arvier could be seen questioning Corby on the street, asking her how much the operation to get her home cost and whether she paid for it.
“Some people are angry you got taxpayer funds to help get you special treatment in the airport,” Arvier told Corby. “Do you think you deserved it?”
In the report, Corby didn’t say a word as she made her way into a car.
According to the investigation, the military-style operation to get Corby back to Australia was conducted with the assistance of the Government and saw a rearranged exit strategy formulated between the Brisbane Airport Corporation, customs and the Australian Federal Police. It explained how Corby switched flights in Bali and that other passengers on board were required to stay on the plane so she could make a fast exit.
The report added that special carts were organised for Corby, her sister and security team to exit the airport as quickly as possible, while the AFP manned side doors so they didn’t have to front the public. She was also said to be given express entry through passport control and customs, while a number of vehicles were waiting for her at the airport. Most were decoys. The report said the mission cost an estimated $80,000, although 9 News didn’t know how much was funded by taxpayers.
Taking to Instagram, Mercedes initially slammed the report, sharing some photos of the report she was watching on television.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsFyQigBuf/?taken-by=mercedescorby
“I would like to know where you came up with this BS?” she asked. “Tax payers DID NOT pay one cent towards my sisters return home. We paid our own airline tickets and our good friend John from @torasolutions helped organize her safe trip back, the government/tax payers DID NOT pay a cent!! Why have you broadcast this Fake news? [sic]”
Meanwhile, Corby also shared her sister’s message on her Instagram page.
“#breakingnews you know nothing,” she said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsF_NjgmIf/?hl=en&taken-by=schapelle.corby
She also claimed she was ambushed by the 9 News reporter. Since returning to Australia, Corby has been communicating with the public through her Instagram page.