A West Australian man has been summonsed to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (7 July, 2025), to face a charge of allegedly possessing a prohibited weapon in his carry-on luggage.
The man, 20, was travelling from Perth to Exmouth on 16 June, 2025, when security screening staff at Perth Airport allegedly found knuckle dusters in his bag.
AFP officers seized the metal item and questioned the man, before he was later issued a summons for one count of carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon (knuckle dusters), contrary to section 6(1)(b) of the Weapons Act 1999 (WA).
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment or a $60,000 fine.
AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said the AFP worked closely with Perth Airport partners to ensure the safety of visitors to the precinct.
"Perth Airport's screening processes are strict for a reason and there is a zero-tolerance policy to anyone attempting to take prohibited items on a flight," Supt Hatch said.
"During this incident, Perth Airport security, in partnership with the AFP, prevented a potential threat to the travelling public and workers.
"It is an offence to carry knuckle dusters in a public place, including in the airport and on planes."
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!
