Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701

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Security scare: prohibited item found on domestic flight in Australia

A Virgin Australia flight was held up over a security scare after a taser gun was found on board. The weapon, concealed in a pocket-sized camera pouch, fell out of a passenger's bag in the overhead locker and onto the floor, according to a passenger who witnessed the unfolding drama on the Melbourne to Adelaide flight.

"We were just settling in and a guy was having trouble fitting his cabin baggage in the overhead storage locker. The flight attendant came and jiggled it [the bag] about, and something fell out," the passenger said. Thinking it was a pocket camera and not knowing who it belonged to, the flight attendant held it up and called out for the owner to claim it.

When no one was immediately forthcoming, she took a closer look.

"Then she opened it to take out what she thought was a camera and it was a taser gun," the passenger told The Age.

Federal police were called on board as the plane sat at the departure gate for more than half an hour. They identified five people who had bags in the same or adjoining lockers. Those people were taken off for questioning, the passenger said, and only four returned.

Despite the security lapse that let a prohibited weapon on board, passengers on flight DJ229 were not rescreened before the flight took off - but were delayed a further half hour for rescreening by security on arrival in Adelaide.

Virgin Australia spokesman Colin Lippiatt confirmed cabin crew found a "prohibited item" on board and properly notified the Federal Police, who confiscated the item and questioned guests seated nearby.

But it was the police's decision as to where or when passengers would be rescreened.

"The AFP have confirmed the travelling public and the aircraft was in no danger," Mr Lippiatt said, but added the police would be looking into Melbourne Airport's security protocols.

But the passenger who witnessed the drama was dismayed such an item could pass through pre-flight screening.

"You go through all the processes, and the amount of rigmarole you have go through to get on a plane, and still things can be easily taken through. Go figure," he said.

15th February 2012