A Murringo man will remain behind bars until next month, charged over the alleged possession and importation of dozens of firearm parts into Australia for the private manufacture of firearms.
Australian Border Force (ABF) Investigations NSW commenced an investigation in August 2024, after a 54-year-old man came to the attention of officers allegedly purchasing firearm-related items online.
It will be alleged in court that the man purchased several items online – including rifling buttons, bullet moulds, and seamless metal tubes – all commonly used in the private manufacture of firearms.
ABF investigators notified the NSW Police Force and a joint investigation was commenced.
Following extensive inquiries, ABF investigators and police from the Monaro Region Enforcement Squad (RES) executed a Commonwealth search warrant at a rural property in Murringo, NSW, about 9.30am on Tuesday (29 October 2024).
During the search, about 80 firearms were seized – including various types of pistols, shotguns, rifles, and revolvers. Officers also located and seized documentation allegedly detailing manufacturing instructions.
Several replica firearms were also located and seized, along with other weapons including a cross bow and an electronic control device. Officers also found a police uniform.
The 54-year-old man was arrested and taken to Young Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval, namely firearm parts, contrary to s233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
The maximum penalty for each offence is 10 years imprisonment.
The man was also charged with eight state offences including two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess unauthorised firearm, manufacture firearm without licence/permit, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, not police officer/special constable wear etc police uniform and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
He was refused bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 30 October 2024), where he was formally bail refused to appear before Tumut Local Court on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
ABF Investigations NSW Superintendent Brett Totten praised the actions of ABF investigators and NSW Police Force in preventing the ongoing importation and manufacture of illicit firearms.
"Privately manufactured firearms pose a significant risk to the Australian community, being constructed from illegally imported parts and improvised backyard materials," Supt Totten said.
"Through a combination of ABF Intelligence and dedicated ABF Investigators, imported items of concern are targeted and intercepted to ensure homemade weapons cannot be manufactured and circulated within the community.
"Collaboration with our partner law enforcement agencies enables a multi-pronged disruption approach in preventing the domestic manufacture of dangerous and illicit firearms.
"Through continued intervention, compliance and educational activities, the ABF will continue to ensure the safety and security of the Australian border."
NSW Police Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said this is a great example of NSW Police and the Australian Border Force working together to take illegal firearms off the streets of New South Wales.
"Firearms in the possession of people who don't hold a firearms license can be dangerous and have the potential to cause serious harm," Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
"NSW Police and our partner law enforcement agencies are committed to taking these homemade and illicit weapons off our streets. This arrest sends a clear warning to those involved in the illicit manufacturing of weapons that they will be caught and brought before the courts."
There are extensive restrictions and prohibitions when it comes to importing any firearm or firearm part, and also require state and territory police or Attorney General's Department consent – for the most up-to-date information, please visit the following website: Firearms (abf.gov.au)