Travellers found with ammo, knuckle dusters, ‘credit card knives: police

Travellers passing through one of the nation’s major airports are being urged to leave illegal weapons at home following recent worrying finds by security.

A warning for plane passengers has been issued following the discovery of illegal weapons being carried through airports or found in luggage.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) are particularly concerned with the amount of banned items being found at Adelaide Airport, with ammunition, spud guns, gel blasters and knuckle dusters among items discovered in recent months.

Perhaps most concerning was a total 35 “credit card knives” being found on passengers, or in their luggage, since November.

AFP reports 35 credit card knives, like the ones pictured, have been found on passengers or in their luggage since November.

The blades fold out of a metal frame roughly the same shape and size of a bank card, meaning they can be easily concealed.

“Regardless of its configuration, it is an offence to carry a knife in a public place, including in the airport and on planes,” said AFP Sergeant Paul Everingham.

“The maximum penalty for this offence is a $2500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.”

Ammunition, spud guns, gel blasters and knuckle dusters are among the other items confiscated from passengers in recent months.

Sergeant Everingham said the AFP will be boosting its visibility around Adelaide Airport with an increase in travellers due to the school holidays, and the four-day AFL Gather Round, with nine games being played in the City of Churches from April 13-16.

“We have recently seen some disturbing and unacceptable behaviour across AFP-designated airports where travellers have shown complete disregard for fellow passengers and airline staff,” he said.

“We are aware that high passenger volumes, combined with longer waiting periods, can lead to an increase in disruptive or anti-social behaviour.

“The AFP is encouraging the public to be patient with unexpected delays and to follow the advice of airline staff.”

A range of items have been seized by AFP officers from luggage at Adelaide Airport, such as this bullet.

Since November, the AFP has charged 226 people with 304 offences at airports across Australia – 14 of them at Adelaide Airport.

The allegations range from intoxicated or offensive behaviour, public disturbance and assault, to possessing prohibited items and theft.

AFP officers also responded to 429 aviation-related incidents involving alcohol across Australia over the same period.

Originally published as Travellers found with ammo, knuckle dusters, ‘credit card knives: police