A South Australian man has been charged after an illicit substance was allegedly found concealed in his luggage at Adelaide Airport last night (20 February, 2025).
Cabin crew on a flight from Sydney to Adelaide (20 February, 2025) called for police assistance after the man, 27, was allegedly observed behaving erratically before falling asleep.
AFP members who responded were escorting him off the flight when an AFP specialist drug detection canine indicated a potential positive to the presence of illicit substances in his luggage.
AFP and South Australian Police officers allegedly found a vacuum-sealed package, containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be cocaine, hidden inside a suitcase.
It will be subject to further forensic examination to determine its composition, weight and purity.
The man was charged with one count of trafficking a controlled drug, contrary to section 302.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He was bailed to next appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 8 April, 2025.
AFP Inspector Dan Finley said the AFP was committed to stamping out criminality in the airport environment.
"Despite all the risks involved, we are still regularly arresting people who attempt to traffic illicit drugs through our airports," Inspector Finley said.
"No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent airports being used as part of the criminal supply chain.
"We thank our dedicated members on the frontline at Adelaide Airport for their work to keep us all safe. Thank you also to our intrepid canine, and his handler, whose specialist nose and training helped the team significantly."
