Virgin powder may be illicit drug
August 27, 2004
WHITE powder found on board a Virgin Blue plane that sparked a security alert at Sydney Airport could be an illicit drug, the Federal Government said today.
A crew member on the flight from Melbourne found the suspicious powder in the plane's toilet yesterday.
The Virgin Blue pilot requested that the hazardous materials plan be activated at Sydney Airport when it landed about 6pm (AEST).
When initial tests determined there was no risk of contaminating the outside area, the 145 passengers and six crew were evacuated from the plane.
Customs and Justice Minister Chris Ellison said the police hazardous materials team had analysed the substance and determined it was inert and not organic.
"Investigations now are continuing in relation to the possibility of illicit drugs being involved," he said.
"Of course it's of concern that anyone could have illicit drugs on an aircraft, be it international or domestic."
AAP
Source:
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10584898%255E1702,00.html