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Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized 29 items, including grenades, a trip mine and an anti-aircraft round, during search warrants in Perth’s north east.
The ABF’s Counter Proliferation team began investigating an Australian man, 31, after officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway x-rayed a package from Kazakhstan destined for Perth, in August 2024.
Officers suspected the consignment was a World War II era weapon, and referred it to the Department of Defence’s Joint Explosive Ordinance Support (JEOS) team. The item was identified as a German anti-tank projectile
Last Tuesday (10 December 2024) ABF officers, supported by the West Australian Police Force (WAPF) and JEOS, executed two simultaneous search warrants at residences in Bassendean and Bellevue.
The ABF seized items including stick grenades, ammunition, trip mine, anti-aircraft round, daggers, flags with Nazi iconography and digital devices.
JEOS specialists confirmed the weapons did not currently contain explosive material, but could have the potential to be repurposed and used as an explosive device.
WAPF officers seized items including cannabis, throwing stars, nunchakus, gel blaster and live ammunition, and conducted interviews as part of an investigation into extremist material.
ABF Superintendent James Ryan said the ABF’s Counter Proliferation team is dedicated to targeting, investigating and responding to individuals or entities of national security concern.
“‘The proliferation of military-grade technology and weapons of mass destruction is a complex global issue that requires coordinated efforts,” Superintendent James Ryan said.
“Counter proliferation isn’t only the physical interdiction of illicit goods – but also the intelligence, collaboration and coordination with our partners, that supports our operational activity.”
“Anyone attempting to import military grade weapons is a concern to us and a threat to Australia’s national security.”
Three individuals were also interviewed during the operation.
The ABF are continuing investigations and assessing the seized items against border obligations under Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs Act 1901.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia’s border and the community.
