Laptop triggers security alert at New Zealand airport

Airline Industry Information, June 30, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A laptop computer that triggered a security alert at Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is being analysed for evidence of explosives, police said on Wednesday (29 June).

A man, according to local media a Saudi national, flew into Christchurch from Singapore on Tuesday (28 June) and was searched by the Customs Service because of a suspicion that an explosive device was hidden in his laptop computer.

There was no evidence found of any explosive device in the computer, but it was being further examined by Environmental Science and Research scientists for any residue that would indicate the presence of explosive material. The owner of the computer was not charged and was allowed to go, said an airport police officer.

The incident did not affect the airport operations, said a Christchurch Airport spokesperson.

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