US 'smuggler' chased through Perth Airport

A 36-year-old American has been charged with importing cocaine after he ran from authorities and was chased through Perth Airport.

Border Force officers examined the man's baggage on Tuesday after he arrived from Brazil, via Dubai, and conducted presumptive tests on liquids inside five plastic bottles marked as toiletry products.

Allegedly, soon after a positive result for cocaine was returned, he fled the examination area, ran through the airport arrivals hall and hid in bushes near the taxi rank.

Members of the public pointed out to officers where he had run.

It will be alleged the bottles contained 3kg of liquid but the exact weight of the cocaine is yet to be determined.

The man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on October 12.