A NSW woman will reappear in Perth court on Friday after $312,000 in cash was found in her hand luggage at Perth Airport.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the woman, 24, on November 30 after she was stopped at the airport on that day before she could board a flight to NSW.
The woman was charged with one count of dealing with proceeds of crime and faces up to three years in jail if convicted.
She appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, December 1, and was remanded in custody to appear again this Friday (December 5).
The AFP say they were alerted by Perth Airport security staff who allegedly detected the cash in her carry-on suitcase as she passed through X-ray screening.
CASH INVESTIGATION
A search of the suitcase by AFP officers allegedly found two black plastic bags full of bundles of $50 and $100 notes.
AFP Detective Inspector Matt Taylor said the AFP are continuing to investigate how she had so much cash.
“The AFP works closely with airports … to ensure air travel is not used as part of the criminal supply chain,” he says.
“The Perth Airport security team swiftly alerted the AFP of their discovery, which enabled us to stop the passenger from leaving the state.”
He also sounded a caution to anyone travelling with large amounts of cash in hand.
“Anyone detected travelling in possession of significant amounts of unexplained cash will be investigated to determine whether the source of those funds is lawful,” he says.
SEE IT. HEAR IT. REPORT IT.
The AFP wants travellers to adopt the ‘See it. Hear it. Report it.’ approach involving suspicious behaviour such as:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing.
- Avoiding screening.
- Leaving bags unattended.
- Loitering.
- Concealing identity.
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour.
If you see it, or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP); click here for more details.
