The firearm parts and ammunition at Gold Coast Airport. Pictures: Australian Border Force.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) says the public should not carry ammunition and gun parts onboard a commercial flight without a permit.
The warning follows the appearance of a 62-year-old man in Southport Magistrates Court today charged with illegal exportation of firearm parts and ammunition.
The ABF said that on Wednesday, September 4, at Gold Coast International Airport, the 62-year-old man was about to board a flight to New Zealand when airline representatives alerted ABF officers shortly after check-in.
ABF officers approached the man who produced a plastic taped parcel containing 200 bullets and 65 shotgun shells. Another 290 bullets and shell casings were found in his possession.
A search of carry-on baggage discovered a bolt internal magazine, trigger and trigger guard, firing pin and two firearm stocks. A search of his checked luggage found three firearm barrels and three bags of ammunition wadding, the ABF said.
He was arrested and charged with the attempted export of firearms parts and accessories, and given bail.
The maximum penalty for this charge is $782,500 and/or 10 years jail.
ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman says it is rare for officer to find firearms and ammunition in luggage but it is illegal and incredibly dangerous.
“It is incredibly reckless to attempt to bring such items on board a commercial airliner. Exporting firearms parts and accessories without a permit is illegal,” Superintendent Coppleman said.
“I would like to thank the airline for their assistance and commend the ABF officers involved in de-risking the situation swiftly.
“This incident sends a very clear message to the community; the ABF takes these matters seriously and anyone engaging in this type of behaviour can expect to face the full legal consequences.”
Anyone with information about suspicious border activities is urged to contact Border Watch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch. Reports can be made anonymously.
