Man wrestled to airport floor, charged with drugs offences

Stunned passengers at Broome Airport looked on as three police officers wrestled a man later charged with drugs offences to the floor of the arrivals hall.

Detectives said two persons of interest were on the evening Qantas flight from Perth to Broome that landed at about 6.05pm on Wednesday.

Plain clothes officers and detectives arrested the men as they walked to the exit under suspicion of possession of prohibited drugs with intent to sell or supply.

When the suspects were advised they would be taken to Broome Police Station and strip searched, one of the men allegedly escaped from police custody and was wrestled to the ground a few metres away by officers.

Broome Detective Sergeant Gerry Mungall said a package containing about 28 grams of methylamhetamine was allegedly found under his clothes during the subsequent search.

Darryl Smallshaw, 26, of Perth, has been charged with possession with intent to sell or supply methylamphetamine, attempt to escape legal custody and resisting arrest.

The man was yesterday refused bail when he appeared in Broome Magistrate’s Court.

He is due to appear in the same court today.

Det Sgt Mungall said inquiries were continuing and further arrests were anticipated.