Wirraway
6th Apr 2006, 19:05
Fri "Daily Telegraph"
Qantas hired cocaine dealer
EXCLUSIVE by LUKE McILVEEN
April 07, 2006
A CONVICTED cocaine dealer linked to drug-fuelled police officers who shot dead Roni Levi has worked as a Qantas baggage handler at Sydney airport for the past four years.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Easton Barrington James was given full security clearance by state and federal agencies and has had access to all airport areas since 2002.
It comes after revelations security cameras in the baggage-handling area at the airport were tampered with at the same time a huge cocaine syndicate was operating through the international terminal.
James served six months in jail in 2000 for drug supply.
He was named in the Police Integrity Commission inquiry into the 1997 shooting death of Levi on Bondi Beach as a cocaine dealer who had supplied the drug to police.
Despite being described by the PIC as a known dealer, he was eventually acquitted of supplying 3.5g of cocaine to his close friend Rodney Podesta, one of the two officers who shot Mr Levi dead.
Qantas last night confirmed James was convicted of another drug charge in Western Australia after he received his Aviation Security ID Card and began working at the airline in 2002.
He was sacked from his job as a baggage handler six weeks ago.
"This person worked for Qantas as a baggage handler for four years," a Qantas spokesman said.
"Prior to his employment he was cleared for an ASIC (security card), as is mandatory for all Qantas staff."
"His employment was terminated as a result of information we received about a drug-related offence in Western Australia."
Qantas was aware of James's involvement in the Levi investigation, but did not know about his prison sentence for supplying a prohibited drug.
The airline pointed out customs -- not Qantas -- controlled background checks on all airport staff.
The Daily Telegraph understands James, who worked in the airport's domestic terminal, had unrestricted access to luggage.
His job involved sorting suitcases on the baggage carousel and loading them on to aircraft.
The revelation will come as a major embarrassment to Customs Minister Chris Ellison, who yesterday dismissed concerns about airport security as a "beat-up."
The minister confirmed The Daily Telegraph's report yesterday that security cameras in the baggage handling area had been tampered with.
Transport Workers Union secretary Tony Sheldon said the incidents warranted an overhaul of airport security.
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Qantas hired cocaine dealer
EXCLUSIVE by LUKE McILVEEN
April 07, 2006
A CONVICTED cocaine dealer linked to drug-fuelled police officers who shot dead Roni Levi has worked as a Qantas baggage handler at Sydney airport for the past four years.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Easton Barrington James was given full security clearance by state and federal agencies and has had access to all airport areas since 2002.
It comes after revelations security cameras in the baggage-handling area at the airport were tampered with at the same time a huge cocaine syndicate was operating through the international terminal.
James served six months in jail in 2000 for drug supply.
He was named in the Police Integrity Commission inquiry into the 1997 shooting death of Levi on Bondi Beach as a cocaine dealer who had supplied the drug to police.
Despite being described by the PIC as a known dealer, he was eventually acquitted of supplying 3.5g of cocaine to his close friend Rodney Podesta, one of the two officers who shot Mr Levi dead.
Qantas last night confirmed James was convicted of another drug charge in Western Australia after he received his Aviation Security ID Card and began working at the airline in 2002.
He was sacked from his job as a baggage handler six weeks ago.
"This person worked for Qantas as a baggage handler for four years," a Qantas spokesman said.
"Prior to his employment he was cleared for an ASIC (security card), as is mandatory for all Qantas staff."
"His employment was terminated as a result of information we received about a drug-related offence in Western Australia."
Qantas was aware of James's involvement in the Levi investigation, but did not know about his prison sentence for supplying a prohibited drug.
The airline pointed out customs -- not Qantas -- controlled background checks on all airport staff.
The Daily Telegraph understands James, who worked in the airport's domestic terminal, had unrestricted access to luggage.
His job involved sorting suitcases on the baggage carousel and loading them on to aircraft.
The revelation will come as a major embarrassment to Customs Minister Chris Ellison, who yesterday dismissed concerns about airport security as a "beat-up."
The minister confirmed The Daily Telegraph's report yesterday that security cameras in the baggage handling area had been tampered with.
Transport Workers Union secretary Tony Sheldon said the incidents warranted an overhaul of airport security.
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