A suspected intoxicated man who allegedly harassed airline staff is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (8 June, 2026).
He is one of two men scheduled to face charges in Perth Magistrates Court today in relation to separate incidents at Perth Airport on 20 May, 2026.
He was charged with one count of disorderly behaviour in public, contrary to section 74A of the Criminal Code Act (WA), which carries a maximum penalty of a $6000 fine.
It will be alleged the Margaret River man, 52, was removed from a flight by airline staff shortly after boarding as he was suspected of being heavily intoxicated.
While the man was being escorted off the plane by airline staff, he allegedly harassed a crew member and behaved in a disorderly manner in front of other passengers.
The AFP met the man in the arrivals hall at Perth Airport, where he allegedly refused to heed their directions to leave the premises. This resulted in AFP members charging him with disorderly conduct.
In a separate incident on the same night, another passenger missed his flight after he was allegedly found to have concealed suspected illicit drugs beneath his clothing.
The Clarkson man, 47, was observed by airport security screening staff - using body scanning equipment - to be in possession of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
It is alleged the man had taped two small bags containing cannabis and methamphetamine to his chest along with two glass pipes. The AFP was notified and attended.
AFP officers questioned the man and charged him with:
- Two counts of possess prohibited drugs, contrary to section 6 (2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981(WA) which carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment; and
- One count of possess drug paraphernalia, contrary to section 7(B) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981(WA) which carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment .
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said passengers who allegedly tried to board planes drunk or while smuggling illicit drugs risked more than just the inconvenience of missing a flight.
"Due to their alleged actions at Perth Airport, these two passengers received one-way tickets to a court appearance to face criminal charges," Det a/Supt Brindal said.
"It is not acceptable to behave poorly or carry illicit substances at any airport in Australia, and the AFP will intervene to protect members of the public and workers to ensure they feel safe.
"If you are travelling, do not disrupt those around you, as your actions could have consequences. At best you might have to delay your holiday, but at worst, you might spend time behind bars."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
