It now seems that organized crime has finally worked its way into Australia’s airports. This time, the organized crime is being handled by the baggage handlers, customs officials and other airline staff who have been corrupted. The airline staff are suspected of smuggling drugs and firearms into the country.

Australian authorities, trade unions, border protection groups and airlines have revealed that there are gaping holes in aviation and maritime security. A new federal parliamentary inquiry, into the adequacy of aviation and maritime security measures to combat serious and organized crime, has learned that less than one percent of air cargo is physically examined, and catering trucks are never searched.

All of this information was given at a public hearing in Sydney that took place last Friday and in Melbourne on Thursday. Evidence presented by New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson was so sensitive that it was heard in a closed session with no public access.

The Australian Federal Police Association claims that the customs system allows drug mules to freely smuggle drugs into the country or out without being caught. The introduction of the voluntary customs process at Australian airports has increased the ability for organized crimes to utilize mules to transport narcotics and other goods.

The Australian Services Union has also been critical of the honor based system. They said that it is inappropriate that international passengers are allowed to bypass scrutiny. Australian airline Qantas’s submission to the inquiry admits corrupt employees could misuse their positions to perpetrate unlawful actives and facilitate criminal and terrorism activity.

According to Australian Customs, fewer than 40,000 of the 6.1 million pieces of luggage screened by X-rays are physically opened and searched. This leaves a lot of unchecked luggage being passed through Australian airports.