A US man will face court in Sydney after authorities allegedly found a loaded pistol in his carry-on luggage at Sydney International Airport during a security screening.
The Australian Federal Police says officers were called after a security worker monitoring an x-ray machine saw what they suspected to be a firearm in the 47-year-old man's carry-on baggage on Sunday morning.
Police inspected his luggage and allegedly found a loaded Ruger pistol.
The man was stopped from boarding a flight to the US and questioned about the weapon.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Scott Sykes said officers had found a bullet in the chamber of the handgun, which meant it was ready to be fired.
"The man claimed he had forgotten the weapon was in his luggage but this situation could have had deadly consequences for other travellers, even if it had discharged accidentally during the flight," Det Act/Supt Sykes said.
"Security screening staff at the airport were vigilant and along with AFP officers, acted quickly to ensure the safety of the travelling public."
The man was charged and refused police bail to appear in Sydney Central Local Court court on Monday, charged with three firearms offences which carry a combined maximum penalty of 22 years of imprisonment.
