A 35-year old NSW man has been arrested and charged in Cairns with a range of firearms-related offences following a multi-state investigation into the attempted importation of extended capacity firearm magazines.
On 1 September 2022, Australian Border Force (ABF) Investigators, NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) undertook simultaneous, multi-state operational activity in relation to the alleged importation of the illicit firearm parts.
Following the interception of multiple consignments at the Australian border, ABF Investigators and state policing partners executed Customs Act 1901 search and seizure warrants at residential premises in Cairns, QLD and the Coffs Harbour region of NSW.
On entry to the premises in Cairns, officers located a concealed handgun, firearm magazines, shotgun ammunition, a quantity of cannabis and other drug paraphernalia.
While searching a property outside of Coffs Harbour linked to the investigation, officers also located two gel blaster firearms, handcuffs and body armour.
ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst confirmed that ABF officers take a national view in ensuring the safety of the Australian community.
"Regardless of the state or territory, and be it metro, regional or rural areas of the country, ABF officers will investigate and prosecute those attempting to import illicit and illegal firearm parts intended to cause harm to our community.
"Together with our state and federal law enforcement partners, the ABF is attuned to individuals and criminal syndicates attempting to circumvent border controls and bring these dangerous items into Australia", Commander Bathurst said.
The man was arrested and conveyed to Cairns Police Station and will appear before Cairns Magistrate Court on 15 September 2022.
If you see anything suspicious within your local community, report it anytime through Border Watch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch.
