Inquiry reveals no lapse in aviation security

A starting pistol and knife brought into New Zealand by a German tourist were in luggage stowed in the hold of his aircraft rather than in hand luggage, an inquiry has revealed.

Aviation Security Service (Avsec) general manager Mark Everitt said today: "Being in the hold of the aircraft, the rucksack was not subject to screening by us, and the weapons did not pose a threat to security."

Bernd Roller, 48, carried the gun and knife from Frankfurt to Christchurch through London on a series of flights.

The weapons were discovered by staff at a Christchurch hotel where Roller was staying.

He was convicted and fined $200 in Christchurch District Court earlier this week for bringing the pistol into New Zealand without a permit.

Mr Everitt said Avsec had checked airline inventories and worked with the airlines, other border agencies and police to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Roller was interviewed by Avsec and video footage of him arriving at Auckland was viewed to see what bags he was carrying and what security checks were made.

"There was no lapse of security," Mr Everitt said.

Roller had travelled with three items of luggage. Video footage and airline documentation showed he carried just one, which was screened thoroughly by Avsec before he boarded his flight to Christchurch, and the two other items, including the rucksack containing the pistol and knife, were checked into the hold of his flight from Auckland to Christchurch.

Roller's cabin baggage was searched twice by Avsec staff at Auckland Airport Mr Everitt said.

"He did not have access to the starting pistol and knife during his flights, so there was no threat to the safety of the aircraft."

Police originally said Roller told them he carried all his luggage with him. However, Mr Everitt said when Roller was interviewed by a German-speaking Avsec officer, he said was "confused and tired" when spoken to by police.

Mr Everitt said he was dismayed by "considerable confusion" and "contradictory statements" in media coverage of the incident but had decided not to make any comment until Avsec completed its investigation.

"This should now clarify matters and remove the confusion that exists," he said.

Mr Everitt added that the Civil Aviation Authority had reviewed the results of the inquiry and agreed with the findings.

- NZPA