Australian Border Force find golden gun in woman’s luggage

An American woman has been arrested after authorities found an unregistered golden gun hidden in her luggage when she flew into Sydney.

An American woman has been arrested by Australian Border Force officers after they found an undeclared 24-carat gold-plated handgun in her luggage when she flew into Sydney.

The 28-year-old woman was travelling from Los Angeles to Sydney when she arrived with the unregistered firearm on April 23.

She also did not hold a permit to import or possess the firearm in Australia.

The unregistered firearm was discovered in the woman’s luggage.

ABF investigators arrested and charged the woman under section 233BAB (5) of the Customs Act 1901.

ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst said the weapon could have been dangerous if it reached the community.

He said it was detected through the combined efforts of ABF officer skills and sophisticated detection technology.

“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 Bathurst said.

“The ABF is Australia’s first and most important line of defence.

The 28-year-old US citizen is facing 10 years imprisonment if convicted.

“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.“

The woman appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, where she received bail.

She could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

The woman could have her visa cancelled, forcing her immediate removal from Australia, pending the outcome of court proceedings.

Originally published as Australian Border Force find golden gun in woman’s luggage