United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Qantas workers arrested in drug smuggling bust
Two Qantas baggage handlers employed at Sydney Airport have been busted for cocaine smuggling.
Police arrested Qantas employees Darren Bragg and Michael McPherson and three other men.
They allegedly handled a shipment of about 100 kilograms of cocaine which was hidden on an inbound flight.
Australian Federal Police allege the two men used their job as airside baggage handlers to move five large bags of cocaine to a car driven by another man.
Two more men were later arrested in Sydney.
The plane had arrived from South Africa.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said drugs gangs dealing in importations actively look to recruit airport workers and especially baggage handlers to help with their operations.
“The organiser of this importation was well-organised and well-resourced,” she said.
“Any group that has the means and the access to source and import 100 kilograms is a significant threat to Australia’s interests.”
Detective Superintendent Cressy says investigations are continuing in South Africa.
The AFP said the drugs operation were under investigation for a year before the arrests \suspicious activity’ was noted by an aviation partner in South Africa.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
Tricia Handley-Hughes on Inteletravel’s Growth and Challenges
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
BA pilot dies during layover
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship