A 33-year old Sydney man will appear in court today after being found in possession of 34 imitation firearms earlier this month.
On Tuesday 11 February 2020, investigators from the Australian Border Force and detectives from NSW Police attended a business in Roseville to issue an infringement in relation to the prohibited importation of 71 imitation firearms, namely gel blasters.
While attending the premises, officers found the man was in possession of 34 gel blasters. Most of the items replicated military style assault rifles and machine guns.
Police seized the imitation firearms, as well as a range of other parts and gel pellets.
The man was arrested by officers from North Shore Police Area Command’s Proactive Crime Team and taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with possessing unauthorised firearms.
He is due to appear before Hornsby Local Court today (Wednesday 26 February 2020).
ABF Regional Investigations NSW Superintendent Garry Low said the Australian Border Force is committed to stopping imitation firearms from entering the country.
“Some of these imitation firearms are modelled on real weapons, making them very difficult to distinguish from a genuine gun,” Superintendent Low said.
“That is why the ABF continues to work with its law enforcement partners to seize and investigate those attempting to import imitation firearms into Australia.”
Some gel ball blasters are controlled as imitation firearms under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and importers must obtain a certification from their state or territory police before bringing them into Australia.
It is illegal to import these items without a permit and anyone attempting to do so can face fines of up to $525,000 and/or up to 10 years imprisonment.
