US woman accused of smuggling 24-karat gun to fight charges

A US citizen who is accused of attempting to smuggle a gold-plated gun into Australia will fight the allegations in court.

A colourful US tourist will fight allegations she attempted to smuggle a 24-karat gold gun into Australia in her suitcase, a court has heard.

Liliana Goodson was arrested at Sydney airport in April after Australian Border Force allegedly found a golden handgun hidden in her hand luggage.

Police allege an X-ray machine detected the gold-plated Colt 45-style pistol with pearl inlay - which has an estimated value of more than $2000 - inside Ms Goodson’s hand luggage after she flew in from Los Angeles.

The weapon was not loaded when it was seized by authorities.

Liliana Goodson will fight allegations she attempted to smuggle a 24-karat gold gun into Australia in her suitcase. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Police say the gun was detected by an X-ray machine. Picture: Supplied.

According to the Australian Border Force, Ms Goodson did not have a permit to import or carry the gun.

Ms Goodson represented herself in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday where she entered not guilty pleas to two counts of intentionally importing prohibited goods.

The colourfully-dressed 29-year-old sat in court on Wednesday cradling a stuffed toy from the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch.

The court heard that the prosecution will call eight witnesses.

Liliana Goodson has been charged with trying to smuggle a gold-plated pistol into Australia in her hand luggage. Picture: Supplied/Facebook.

She will return to court next week to set a date for a hearing, where she will defend the charges.

After spending more than two weeks in custody on remand, she was granted bail in May on the condition that she deposit a $10,000 surety.

As part of her bail conditions, she was also required to surrender the passport she used to enter the country.

If convicted, Ms Goodson is facing a maximum of 10 years behind bars.

She is also facing the possibility of visa cancellation or deportation if found guilty.

Ms Goodson faces the possibility of visa cancellation if found guilty. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles