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Sniffer dogs illegal
EXCLUSIVE By JANET FIFE-YEOMANS
May 05, 2006
RANDOM drug checks by police and sniffer dogs at Sydney's domestic airport may have been carried out illegally for the past four years, an investigation by The Daily Telegraph can reveal.
In the latest security glitch at the airport, NSW police have been staging snap operations without informing Sydney Airports Corporation Limited in advance and obtaining their consent.
It is understood the police feared that seeking the correct authorisation may have tipped off criminals using the airport for drug smuggling.
But under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act which came into force in 2002, the airport is not classed as a public place so police need a warrant or specific airport permission.
The special operations are run by Botany Bay local area command which calls in the police dog squad.
It is understood that the airport first raised concerns in writing with the police more than a year ago.
The Daily Telegraph has been told that the police legal services branch has been alerted because the lack of authorisation could throw into doubt a number of arrests made at the two domestic terminals.
In what have been described as "lucky dip" operations, the drug-sniffer dogs target bags from flights. If drugs are detected, police then wait to see who collects the luggage from the carousels.
Sydney Airport Corporation confirmed it had recently raised "issues" with Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione.
"There were certain security procedures that needed to be followed regarding access by anyone at the airport," said an airport spokesman yesterday.
"We wanted to make sure that the appropriate procedures were in place to ensure that the police operations are able to be undertaken while ensuring security in aviation matters."
The spokesman said they were happy with Mr Scipione's "prompt response".
Security at the domestic airport has come under scrutiny since convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby accused domestic airport staff of planting the 4.1kg of marijuana that was found in her boogie board cover when she arrived in Bali.
Last month The Daily Telegraph revealed a convicted drug dealer was working as a baggage handler.
From Daily Telegraph
