A 64-year-old Mount Waverly man has been fined over the importation of firearm suppressors, or silencers, purchased from an online Chinese retailer between January and April 2022.
The goods were falsely declared as “fuel filters” and “solvent traps”.
On 1 July 2022, Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators executed Customs Act search and seizure warrants at the man’s Mount Waverley home.
While undertaking a search of the man’s property, ABF investigators located the following prohibited goods:
· 12 x firearm sound suppressors;
· 1 x electronic shock device; and
· 1 x imitation firearm.
A detailed examination of the silencers led to the discovery of carbon build-up inside the devices, indicating that they had been used on firearms.
The ABF issued the man with an infringement notice of $3,300 for the importation of a prohibited import contrary to section 233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901.
While at the premises, investigators also discovered cannabis, along with the insecure storage of firearms and ammunition.
These matters were referred to Victoria Police who subsequently suspended the man’s firearm’s licences, and seized his firearms, before charging him with a total of 15 offences.
Acting Superintendent of Regional Investigations, Victoria and Tasmania, Jessica Fensling said: “Firearms suppressors are highly restricted and have the potential to cause great harm within the community.”
“ABF officers both in Victoria, and across Australia, have suspect consignments firmly in their sights. We are highly skilled at detecting firearms and other prohibited items such as silencers, regardless of how they are concealed.
“ABF along with its federal, state and territory law enforcement partners will continue to target people who attempt to import firearms, parts or accessories such as silencers into Australia without a proper permit.”
