Justin Bieber was given a verbal police warning “in relation to inappropriate language” at Brisbane International airport, reportedly over a conversation with a female customs officer.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed the incident to the Sydney Daily Telegraph, while E! News reports an AFP spokesperson would only say they spoke to a “19-year-old man.”
The Mirror reports:
“A spokeswoman for the Australian Federal Police confirmed Justin, who is currently Down Under on tour, and his pals were stopped within minutes of them landing in the Australian city. A 23-year-old US national has been ordered to attend court in Brisbane on Friday and a 19-year-old was given a verbal warning by the Australian Federal Police for using inappropriate language while speaking to a customs officer. Justin was also reportedly threatened with arrest when he refused to remove his hat and glasses before a customs inspection.”
The incident arose when Bieber and some of his Believe tour associates arrived in Brisbane from New Zealand on Sunday, November 24.
The group were stopped by the AFP after two dogs sniffed their luggage and allegedly found 13g of cannabis in the belongings of one of the crew.
The man has been identified as Terrence Reche Smalls, 23.
“Sources close to Justin tell us the suspect had a disposable vaporizer — basically an electronic device to smoke marijuana — which had residue in it. We’re told an attorney for the suspect appeared in court today, and paid the fine,” TMZ.com reports.
After the search, Bieber and his crew were reportedly detained at the airport for around two hours before they were released without charge .
Police issued an order to Smalls to appear in court Friday to face a charge of importing a border-controlled drug – named as cannabis – into the country.
However, Smalls was a no-show in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to face two counts of importing a border-controlled drug.
Top barrister Jeff Hunter QC, for Smalls, described him as a “personal assistant” to Bieber adding he was in Perth on tour with the musician, News.com.au reports .
Hunter asked the court’s permission not to require Small’s presence for the first day.
Presiding magistrate Chris Callaghan has issued for the arrest of Smalls with the execution to be delayed until January 24. Smalls is required to appear in court on that date.
Bieber’s controversial Australia leg wraps on Sunday, December 8 when the Believe tour plays its final show in Perth.