A Mexican traveler bound for Singapore on a Jetstar flight from Denpasar was intercepted by airport security yesterday after they uncovered 10 live bullets in his luggage.
Airport officials became suspicious of Jose Fabian Ibarra Valdez, 32, after an X-ray screening showed up irregularities inside his luggage. After searching the suitcase in question, security found ten 4.5mm bullets wrapped in plastic.
When questioned, Valdez reportedly claimed that he was unaware of the suitcase’s contents.
“The passenger was taken to a security post on the third floor of the international terminal for questioning. The passenger stated that the suitcase belonged to his father, and the person concerned claimed he did not know that there were bullets in the suitcase he was carrying,” said Haruman Sulaksono, the airport’s general manager, as quoted by detiknews.
In flight, active bullets are categorized as dangerous goods and as such are heavily regulated. Passengers carrying active firearms or bullets are required to declare their dangerous goods to airport officials by law, showing the relevant documentation. It seems Valdez had done neither.
“After further inspection, the passenger concerned could not provide the relevant documents or permits to carry the active bullets,” explained Sulaksono to the source.
At present, Valdez is undergoing further examination by the Ngurah Rai Air Regional Police.
