The Florida resident arrested after she landed in Sydney, Australia, in April 2023 for bringing a gold-plated pistol in her luggage has been sentenced to a jail term of 12 months. At least four of them will be spent behind bars.
Officials built a solid case that she understood “importing” a handgun and ammunition into the nation is illegal, according to the Daily Mail report. Histories on her phone, for example, indicated she searched whether doing so was against the law. There was also a calendar reminder on it to “put gun in suitcase.”
She was stopped at the airport by customs officials after an X-ray of her baggage detected the 24-karat, gold-plated firearm. When first confronted about the woman claimed she forgot it was in the bag. The story changed later to an enrollment in a clown school and the sidearm was needed for personal protection.
Prosecutors claimed the gun would terrify Australians. During sentencing the judge noted, “Australia has a strong stance against firearms,” and hoped the jail terms sends a strong message that the nation will not tolerate the importation of unauthorized firearms or ammunition.
The woman’s flight originated in Los Angeles. The pistol’s estimated retail value here is roughly $3,000 and there are several stateside-based companies specializing in the service.
With the holiday travel season in full swing, the seriousness of the incident and overseas jail term is a painful reminder to double check your luggage before leaving—particularly if the destination is an international one and juggling classes are on the agenda. Domestically, law-abiding gun owners can bring a firearm in their checked luggage, but never in a carry-on bag. The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t clown around in its enforcement of the strict rules for properly traveling with a firearm and/or ammunition. Every air carrier has additional regulations, so consult their website prior to packing for a trip to avoid unnecessary delays. In addition, study laws at your destination long before leaving.
Photo courtesy of Australia Border Force