24 karat gold-plated pistol found in US passenger’s luggage

A woman’s alleged attempt to smuggle a 24 karat, gold-plated pistol in her luggage was foiled when the weapon was allegedly detected by an X-ray machine at Sydney Airport.

The golden gun was detected in the woman's hand luggage as it was scanned (inset). Pictures: Supplied

A woman allegedly attempted to smuggle a 24-karat gold-plated pistol in her luggage but was caught after the weapon was detected by an X-ray machine at Sydney Airport.

The 28-year old US citizen appeared in Sydney‘s Downing centre yesterday after Australian Border Force officers arrested and charged her on Sunday night with possession of the unregistered firearm.

The weapon was not loaded.

Liliana Goodson arrived on American Airlines flight 73 from Los Angeles dressed in a bright yellow jumpsuit, dyed blue hair and wearing platform shoes when she was taken into custody at Mascot Airport before being taken to Surry Hills police station.

Ms Goodson was charged with intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval under section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901, which, if convicted, could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The gold-plated gun allegedly found in a 28 year-old American woman’s luggage.

The weapon is a gold-plated 1911, Colt 45 which is popular in the United States and usually comes with a seven shot magazine cartridge and can be valued anywhere from $2000 upwards.

“Time and time again, we have seen just how good ABF officers are at targeting and stopping illegal, and highly dangerous, goods from crossing Australia’s border,” Commander Justin Bathurst, ABF Enforcement and detained Goods East Commander said yesterday.

The gun was picked up by the airport’s X-ray machines as she arrived into the country.

He said a combination of ABF officer skills and sophisticated detection technology helped stop a dangerous weapon from reaching the community.

“The ABF is Australia’s first and most important line of defence. ABF officers are committed to protecting our community by working with law enforcement partners to prevent items like unregistered firearms getting through at the border.”

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Ms Goodson was granted bail to report daily to Bondi police station until she reappears at the Downing Centre on May 10.

She is also required to surrender her passport and not apply for a replacement.

Additionally she has to agreed to live at a designated place in Bondi where she must sleep every night, also not possess or import and firearms or ammunition.

She also must deposit the sum of $10,000 as bail security to be forfeited if she does not comply with the bail arrangements.

The ABF have also said Ms Goodson remains subject to visa cancellation and removal from Australia, pending the outcome of court proceedings.

Originally published as 24 karat gold-plated pistol found in US passenger’s luggage