A Perth man has been fined $6,533 for illegally importing an unfinished firearm suppressor, or “silencer”, that he purchased online from a US-based website.
The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge under section 233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901.
Australian Border Force (ABF) WA Regional Commander Rod O’Donnell said the penalty should serve as a reminder to all gun enthusiasts about Australia’s strict firearms regulations and the dangers of purchasing weapons or accessories online.
“Many overseas websites, particularly those based in the US, sell items that are prohibited in Australia. It is the responsibility of anyone purchasing these items to ensure they meet all import requirements, including relevant permits and authorisations,” Commander O’Donnell said.
“These items can be extremely dangerous and can pose a threat to the Australian community and for that reason their importation is controlled. Anyone attempting to import prohibited weapons, including firearms and accessories, runs the risk of losing those goods and facing possible criminal prosecution.”
Penalties for importing firearms and certain accessories without a permit include imprisonment for up to ten years and/or fines of up to $525,000.
In 2016/17 ABF officers made 1709 detections of undeclared firearms, parts and accessories at the border.
“People should remember that anything purchased online will eventually have to come across the border and illicit goods will be targeted by our highly-trained ABF officers,” Commander O’Donnell said.
Anyone with information about the illicit importation of firearms or firearm parts is encouraged to contact BorderWatch by visiting www.border.gov.au/borderwatch.
This includes information on those who sell or import firearms illicitly and those who possess or manufacture illicit homemade firearms. You can remain anonymous.
More information about how to legally import firearms and weapons can be found on the Department’s website.