Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators have arrested a 27-year-old Brisbane man for allegedly importing prohibited electronic control devices following the examination of a package at Brisbane Air Cargo.
On 13 December 2024, ABF officers inspected a package declared as a flashlight, which was found to contain three handheld electronic control devices. These items are classified as prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. The package was addressed to an address in the Brisbane suburb of Kelvin Grove.
Subsequent investigations led ABF to execute search warrants at the Kelvin Grove property on Wednesday (29 January 2025).
During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices, which will undergo further examination. The male resident was arrested and charged under the Customs Act 1901 for importing prohibited goods.
Other items of interest were located during the search relating to potential state offences and ABF investigators worked alongside Queensland Police Service, who issued a court attendance notice to appear for other charges.
ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff emphasised the seriousness of importing prohibited items.
"The ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community by preventing the importation of prohibited weapons. This is a serious offence, and I note that the devices in question were assessed as being law enforcement grade," Acting Commander Sokoloff said.
"In the wrong hands, these devices would pose a serious risk to the community. Individuals attempting to import such items without the necessary permissions will face significant consequences. I'd like to commend our officers for their detection efforts at the border, and the subsequent investigation and arrest that this led to."
The maximum penalty for importing prohibited items without permission is up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 2,500 penalty units, or both.
Members of the public with information about the importation of prohibited items are encouraged to report it to Border Watch at www.Australia.gov.au/borderwatch.