A South Australian man previously charged with several alleged drug trafficking and weapons offences at Adelaide Airport, will face Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, 11 February, 2025), charged with an additional drug offence.
The AFP first charged the man, 39, in January, 2025, after Adelaide airport staff alerted the AFP that they had allegedly identified illicit items in his luggage during screening.
He initially faced Adelaide Magistrates Court on 14 January, 2025, charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, dealing in proceeds of crime, false identification documents, trafficking a marketable quantity of a controlled drug believed to be methamphetamine and unlawful possession of Butanediol.
The man was remanded in custody to reappear today.
Subsequent AFP investigations identified an additional alleged drug related-offence. The man was further charged with one count of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug (Butanediol), contrary to section 32 of the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA), in its application under the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970 (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Inspector Dan Finley said illicit substances had a devastating effect on individuals and the community.
“The AFP and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and disrupting those who attempt to harm our community and use our airports as a means to traffic destructive illicit substances for their own financial gain,” a/Insp Finley said.
The AFP encourages the public to call Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through Australia’s major airports.
Airport Watch plays an important role within aviation security. It delivers critical information to the AFP to enhance the detection and resolution of suspicious or criminal activity at airports.
Suspicious activity or unusual behaviour includes:
- A person observed displaying an unusually keen interest in security procedures;
- A person observed recording or taking photos in or around sensitive areas of the airport;
- Anyone acting strangely or in an unusual manner;
- Anyone heard asking questions to gain information about the airport; and
- Anyone trying to gain unauthorised access to secure areas.
