A man charged for his alleged role in a failed plot to smuggle two handguns into Australia from the United States is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (14 January, 2026).
It comes as the AFP appeal for public assistance to locate another man allegedly involved in the failed firearm importation.
The AFP launched an investigation in October 2025, following a referral from United States' Homeland Security Investigations, after US Customs and Border Protection officers in Hawaii located two dismantled pistols concealed inside remote-control cars in a parcel en-route from Arizona and destined for Australia.
US authorities removed the pistols and the remainder of the package was sent to Australia, where it was delivered to a property in the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl.
A Kingsgrove man, 39, allegedly collected the package on 4 November, 2025, and took it to a nearby property where he attempted to open it before he was arrested by the AFP.
The AFP executed a search warrant at the property where the man was arrested and seized pepper spray and electronic devices, which are subject to further forensic examination. He was charged with:
- One count of importing prohibited goods, namely firearms, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth); and
- One count of acquiring a firearm, contrary to section 50 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years' and 14 years' imprisonment, respectively.
The man appeared before NSW Local Division Bail Court on 5 November, 2025, and was refused bail to reappear before the Downing Centre Local Court today (14 January, 2026).
A subsequent search warrant was executed at a Greenacre address where investigators seized a 12-guage, sawn-off shotgun and a loaded revolver. During the search warrant, a 24-year-old man attended the property and approached AFP investigators.
AFP investigators observed what appeared to be an assault rifle - later confirmed to be a gel blaster -on the floor of the man's vehicle. The AFP arrested the man, who was later charged by New South Wales Police with firearm offences.
Following further inquiries, a 30-year-old Greenacre man - Ahmed Hallak - was identified by investigators as a third man allegedly involved in the importation.
An arrest warrant has been issued by the Downing Centre Local Court for Mr Hallak. The AFP is appealing for public assistance to locate the man, who is known to reside in Sydney's southwest.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP would allege Mr Hallak was part of the criminal group which attempted to retrieve the firearms in November, 2025.
"We would urge Mr Hallak to contact police so we can speak to him about this matter," Det Supt Blunden said.
"We ask anyone who has information about Mr Hallak's whereabouts or thinks they may have seen him out in the community to contact police on 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"We also take this opportunity to remind people that anyone assisting him to evade police may face criminal charges.
"Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons into Australia, where they might reach organised crime groups, should be warned - the AFP and its partners are ready and waiting to stop you in your tracks.
"Our priority is keeping Australians safe, which is why we will continue to be relentless in our commitment to working with our partners to target, identify and disrupt endeavours that present a real risk of becoming a weapons supply line to organised crime.
"We will not tolerate the import and use of illicit weapons in Australia."
Anyone who sees Ahmed Hallak is urged not to approach him, but to call triple zero (000) immediately.
