While having his luggage searched at Perth Airport shortly after arrival, a 36-year-old American man suddenly bolted, running through the airport and making it outside to the taxi rank, with police and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in full pursuit.
The man was finally found hiding in bushes outside the airport after passers by pointed out where he had run, Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported.
The man was being subjected to a full baggage examination after his arrival from Brazil, via Dubai, during which five plastic bottles containing liquid marked as shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, mouthwash, and sunscreen were located.
It is alleged that soon after a positive presumptive test result for cocaine was returned, the man fled the ABF examination area and ran through the airport arrivals hall.
Pursuing ABF and AFP officers located the man hiding in bushes near the taxi rank, with public assistance, and arrested him.
He was later charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Commonwealth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
It will be alleged the bottles contained three kilograms of liquid; the exact weight of the cocaine is yet to be determined.
He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court last week and was remanded in custody to reappear on 12 October 2018.
ABF Regional Commander for Western Australia, Rod O’Donnell, said the detection was yet another example of the exceptional skills of ABF officers in stopping illicit drugs coming through Perth Airport.
Photo shows man’s luggage being searched in Perth Airport examination area
“Our officers are highly trained and use a range of assessment techniques to identify travellers of interest and then utilise cutting-edge X-ray and detection technology to identify prohibited items crossing the border.
“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the two ABF and two AFP officers who pursued and captured the man as he tried to escape, as well as those members of the public who assisted those officers by pointing out where he had gone.”
AFP State Manager Western Australia Greg Harrigan said that law enforcement continues to see criminals attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia.
“This should serve as a warning to criminals who think they can conceal illicit drugs and avoid detection. You will be caught and you will face the potential of life in prison,” Commander Harrigan said.
Edited by Peter Needham
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