A Bentleigh East man is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today (19 October, 2026) charged over the alleged importation of 71 conducted energy devices into Victoria.
Investigations started on 13 August, 2026, after the AFP was alerted to a suspicious parcel at a Melbourne Airport parcel sorting facility.
A subsequent examination by AFP investigators identified it contained two conducted energy devices and six cartridges.
Further AFP inquiries, with assistance from the Australian Border Force (ABF), linked the intercepted parcel to several other international air cargo consignments imported over a two-month period, which had been intercepted and seized by ABF.
Police will allege the man, 32, imported a total of 71 conducted energy devices, and 30 cannisters of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray.
On 12 October, 2026, the AFP executed search warrants at homes in Lynbrook and Bentleigh East.
During the searches, AFP officers seized about $10,000 cash, postal records, 30 canisters containing OC spray, and documentation relating to future alleged importations.
Officers also seized two mobile phones and a laptop, which will be subject to further digital forensic examination.
The man was charged with:
- Two counts of importing tier 2 goods namely conducted electrical/energy devices, and Oleoresin Capsicum spray, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
- One count of causing a dangerous article, namely conducted electrical/energy devices, to be carried by a postal or similar service, contrary to section 471.13 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment; and
- Two counts of possessing controlled weapons, contrary to section 5AA of the Control of Weapons Act (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years' imprisonment.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
AFP Acting Commander Donna Tankard said prohibited weapons posed a significant risk to community safety; and law enforcement work tirelessly to intercept them at the border.
"The AFP and ABF have sophisticated detection capabilities and work closely together to identify suspicious consignments and investigate those allegedly responsible for trying to import illegal items," Commander Tankard said.
"The unlawful importation of prohibited weapons presents a significant risk to public safety.
"Every prohibited weapon intercepted is one less weapon that can be sold, possessed or used to harm Australians."
The community is urged to report information about suspected criminal activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report a crime to the AFP online.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders, including illicit imports, is urged to report to Border Watch online.
