A 39-year-old Malaysian woman will face Cairns Magistrates Court today charged with importing a commercial quantity of heroin, concealed in the false bottoms of two bags.

The woman arrived at Cairns International Airport on board a flight from Hong Kong yesterday.

Customs officers conducted a search of the woman's luggage and an x-ray revealed possible narcotic concealments.

Officers drilled into two bags and allegedly found a white powder that initial tests indicated to be heroin. The woman was then referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigations.

The weight of the heroin is approximately six kilograms. The suitcases are currently undergoing forensic testing to confirm the substance and determine the exact weight and purity of the drug.

She will face court this morning charged with importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug (heroin) contrary to section 307.1 and 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act (1995).

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.