Melbourne man arrested at Sydney Airport without permit to cross NSW-Victoria border closure
A Melbourne man who allegedly lied about having children has been arrested at Sydney Airport after arriving without a permit from a virus hot spot.
NewsWire
Don't miss out on the headlines from NewsWire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Melbourne man has been charged with breaching the New South Wales coronavirus public health orders after flying into Sydney without a permit.
The Roxburgh Park man, 21, is accused of lying about having children after telling police he had travelled to Sydney to care for them.
The traveller, who hails from one of Melbourne’s initial coronavirus hot spots, arrived at Sydney Airport just before 1pm on Wednesday and was questioned by police after being flagged by NSW Health who said he was unable to produce an exemption.
Police said they helped the man charge his phone before they established he did not have a permit but would apply for one so he could care for his children.
Police alleged the man made several applications for a permit and provided false information.
A spokesperson said police then established the man did not have children or a valid reason to be in NSW and directed him to return to Victoria.
He was offered options for travel and assistance from NSW Health but allegedly refused to make any travel plans and failed to comply with police directions.
He was arrested about 3.30pm and taken to Mascot police station where officers searched the man and his bags and allegedly uncovered a bottle of alprazolam, which was not prescribed to him.
He was charged with not complying with a noticed direction in regards to coronavirus and possessing a prescribed restricted substance.
He was bailed but has been sent to quarantine in a hotel managed by the health department until he faces Downing Centre Local Court on August 17.
NSW Police Superintendent Paul Smith said at the border checkpoint in Albury on Thursday there were “still some fools coming through”.
“There is no exemption, you need a permit to get into NSW, you need a reason to go with it. If you haven’t you will be turned around. If you don’t turn around you’ll be either given an on-the-spot fine or arrested,” he said.
Originally published as Melbourne man arrested at Sydney Airport without permit to cross NSW-Victoria border closure