In the month of October 2017, the Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted 16 separate parcels containing 45 gel ball soft air guns bound for addresses across Western Australia.
Gel ball air soft guns are considered imitation firearms and are controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports). Importers must obtain permission before bringing any firearms, including imitation firearms, into Australia.
Imitation firearms are articles, of any material or colour, which are a copy or reproduction, or have the appearance of a firearm, and could reasonably be taken to be a firearm.
On 31 October 2017, the ABF and WA Police Force conducted search warrants in Canning Vale and Bertram and recovered 18 additional gel ball soft air guns, gel ball ammunition, parts for soft air guns and well as an amount of prohibited drugs and drug paraphernalia
A 32-year-old man residing in Canning Vale was arrested by WA Police Force and charged with one count of cultivate a prohibited plant, possess a prohibited drug, possess any drug paraphernalia.
The maximum penalty for importing goods without the relevant import permission is a penalty of up to $450,000, and/or imprisonment for 10 years.
ABF Superintendent Clinton Sims, said the detection and resulting arrest was a great outcome for the ABF and the WA Police Force in keeping both dangerous goods and substances off the streets.
“The seizure has prevented a large number of replica firearms making their way into the community and being used in the commission of crimes.”
“This success of the joint operation between the ABF and WA Police Force should send a strong warning that if you participate in any kind of illegal activity you will be caught.”
The man is due to appear in Perth ‘’Magistrate’’ Court on 21st November 2017.