SYDNEY woman Kalynda Davis, who had allegedly been detained in China on suspicion of trafficking drugs, has been allowed to return home, it has emerged.

A statement released by her family said: “We are happy to have Kalynda back home. We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations. Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence.

“To the family of Mr Peter Gardner, we will continue to pray for Peter and your family. You are always in our thoughts.”

The 22-year-old was reportedly caught trying to smuggle methamphetamine, also known as ice, into Australia from China’s drugs hub. The drugs were uncovered as part of an intensifying anti-narcotics sweep by the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But in sweeping developments today, it has emerged that Ms Davis has been released without charge and has now returned home to Australia after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop negotiated her release.

Ms Davis’ family thanked the Australian consulate-general and staff for their work in negotiating with the Chinese Government and authorities. They also thanked the Chinese authorities for their “professional and honourable investigation” into the matter.

Ms Davis’s co-accused, fellow Sydneysider Peter Gardner, 25, remains in custody in China.

The allegations involved an attempt to smuggle 75kg of methamphetamine, which Chinese drugs lawyer Wang Jinhe said was “an extremely high amount, record breaking to my knowledge”.

Kalynda Davis was arrested at the airport in Guangzhou on November 8.

Her family and friends were alarmed when she failed to show up for social events in the days following.

Ms Davis is a gifted basketball player and attended private schools in Western Sydney.

Friends took to Facebook to write of their concern when she was arrested: “She would be so scared now. I just want to hug her!” one wrote. Ms Davis’ social media accounts were shut down in an effort to protect her privacy and minimise attention on the case.

Read more in The Daily Telegraph.