A West Australian man is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (5 June, 2025) charged with allegedly carrying a foldable pistol in his luggage.
The AFP was notified yesterday (4 June, 2025) that Perth Airport security had allegedly found a firearm during an x-ray screening of a passenger's backpack.
Police searched the backpack and found an unlicensed foldable single-shot pistol weighing less than 1kg. No ammunition was found in the luggage or in the man's possession.
The man, 37, was charged with:
- One count of possessing an unlicensed handgun, contrary to section 214 of the Firearms Act 2024 (WA); and
- One count of carrying a weapon through a screening point, contrary to section 47(3) of the Aviation Transport and Security Act (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each offence is seven years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said travellers deserved to feel safe at airports and the presence of prohibited weapons, such as firearms, would not be tolerated.
"Carrying a firearm in an airport is a serious offence," Det a/Supt Brindal said.
"Security screening staff at the airport were vigilant and along with AFP officers, acted quickly to ensure the safety of the travelling public and stop weapons entering the aviation environment."
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!
