This week two men have been reported for being in possession of an unregistered firearm after gel blaster firearms were found at their property.
A Waterloo Corner man was reported with seven counts of both possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing firearms without a licence. This comes after a search of his Waterloo Corner home in October 2020 where seven gel blaster firearms (pictured below) were located.
Chief Inspector Astrid Gustavson said at the time gel blaster firearms were regulated imitation firearms but it was still within the amnesty period, allowing people time to apply for a firearms license and get their firearms registered.
"When the search occurred in October the occupant told police he would register the gel blaster firearms and apply for a firearms license before the end of the amnesty period in April 2021," Chief Inspector Gustavson said.
"However, when Northern Districts police enquired on Sunday he had not, therefore he was reported on a total of 14 charges and his gel blasters were seized by police."
The man will appear in court at a later date.
Meanwhile Millicent police were doing checks at a Millicent property where police knew the owner possessed firearms. They found him in possession of an unregistered gel blaster firearm, he was reported and will appear in the Millicent Magistrates Court in due course.
Officer in Charge of Firearms Branch, Superintendent Billy Thompson said in April gel blaster firearms were defined as a Category A paint-ball firearm.
"Gel blaster firearms owners had six months to get their license and ensure they were complying with the new rules," Superintendent Thompson said.
South Australia Police and Crime Stoppers are currently promoting the National Firearms Amnesty.
"There is an ongoing amnesty for all firearms so if you have a gel blaster which is not registered, please surrender it to a police station or participating firearms dealer," Superintendent Thompson said.
"However, in any other circumstances, if you are found in possession of an unregistered firearm, including a gel blaster firearm there will be consequences."
To find out more about the General Firearms Amnesty go to www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons/firearms-amnesty
If you would like to report the illegal ownership or use of a firearm, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, you can remain anonymous.
