A Queensland man was expected to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today (27 June, 2024) charged over alleged aggressive and offensive behaviour and possession of prohibited drugs on a flight from Brisbane to Perth.
The man, 42, is alleged to have been aggressive towards fellow passengers and airline staff during the flight yesterday (26 June, 2024).
Airline staff reported the incident to the AFP and AFP officers at Perth Airport responded and escorted the man from the aircraft after its arrival.
When AFP officers searched the man’s baggage they allegedly found 1.43 grams of cannabis and 52 milligrams of alprazolam for which the man did not have a prescription.
The AFP charged the man with the following offences:
- One count of offensive/disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,600 fine; and
- Two counts of possessing prohibited drugs, namely cannabis and alprazolam, contrary to section 6(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment.
AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said there was no excuse for disruptive or criminal behaviour on board aircraft and the AFP remained ready to respond to any incidents.
“Travellers and crew have a right to feel safe on planes and in airports and the AFP works closely with airline partners to step in if any passenger’s behaviour disrupts the safe operation of a flight,” Supt Hatch said.
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
