Nazi stick grenades and parts that were recovered during the raid. Photo: ABF
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized Nazi grenades, daggers, a mine, armbands and anti-aircraft shell from two Perth homes.
On Tuesday, December 10, ABF and West Australian Police officers and Defence explosive specialists raided properties in Bassendean and Bellevue.
The ABF said 29 items were seized which include WWII-era Nazi stick grenades, ammunition, a trip mine, an anti-aircraft round, daggers and Nazi-branded flags and digital devices.
Department of Defence Joint Explosive Ordinance Support (JEOS) specialists confirmed the weapons did not contain explosive material but could be remade into explosive devices.
WAPF officers also seized cannabis, throwing stars, nunchakus, a gel blaster and live ammunition.
The ABF said their Counter Proliferation team began investigating an Australian man, 31, after officers at Sydney International Mail Gateway x-rayed a package from Kazakhstan destined for Perth in August.
Officers suspected the consignment was a World War II weapon and referred it to the JEOS team who identified it as a Nazi anti-tank weapon.
An anti-aircraft shell is x-rayed by the JEOS team. Photo: ABF
ABF Superintendent James Ryan says the Counter Proliferation team is dedicated to targeting, investigating and responding to individuals or entities of national security concern.
“The proliferation of military-grade technology and weapons of mass destruction is a complex global issue that requires co-ordinated efforts,” Sup. Ryan said.
“Counter-proliferation isn’t only the physical interdiction of illicit goods but also the intelligence, collaboration and coordination with our partners, that supports our operational activity.”
“Anyone attempting to import military grade weapons is a concern to us and a threat to Australia’s national security.”
Three individuals were also interviewed during the operation.
The ABF investigations are continuing as they determine of the seized items fall under Customs prohibited imports regulations.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch online.
