Authorities have warned residents of the Northern Territory against attempting to bring in to the country imitation firearms and trip alarms.
The caution comes after the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Northern Territory Police seized seven gel blasters, including two AR15 and four Glock imitation firearms, from a Bayview property in April.
A small quantity of illegal drugs, ammunition and fireworks were also seized during the search.
The 45-year-old male occupant initially came to the attention of the ABF after he attempted to import 18 trip alarms through the post.
ABF Chief Superintendent Tracie Griffin said trip alarms were not harmless toys or convenient security devices.
“It is a serious offence to bring firearms or firearm parts into the country without the appropriate permission. People are advised to always check first to see if an item is a prohibited import,” Chief Superintendent Griffin said.
Importing a trip alarm without the appropriate authority is an offence under the Customs Act 1901, and is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a substantial fine or both.
Trip alarms are dangerous devices, capable of firing live ammunition.
They activate when a person ‘trips’ the trip wire on the device. The activation then fires off a 12-gauge shotgun round that serves as the ‘alarm’.
The devices are capable of firing an explosive round and are considered to be a firearm under Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, which puts them in the same category as any other prohibited weapon.
Under the Firearms Act NT, it is also illegal to be in possession of imitation firearms, such as gel blasters, airsoft, hydro blasters or gel ball firearms. Non-firing imitation firearms are prohibited under the Weapons Act NT.
Senior Sergeant Shayne Warden of the NT Firearms Unit said the supply, distribution and use of illegal firearms caused immense harm through the community and NT Police would continue to work closely with federal counterparts to ensure the practice is disrupted at every opportunity.
“Imitation firearms are of particular concern as they are almost indistinguishable from actual firearms and cause undue fear when used,” Senior Sergeant Warden said.
“They are prohibited weapons for a reason, and anyone found in their possession will have them seized and will be charged.”
