Monday 30 June 2008
CUSTOMS STOP DANGEROUS SHIPMENT OF REPLICA GUNS
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, said Customs officers had stopped a large number of dangerous replica guns from hitting the streets of Darwin.
"These highly realistic replica sub-machine guns could have been used to commit crimes if they had not been detected by Customs at the border."
Officers at the Darwin container examination building inspected the contents of two shipping containers and found more than 130 replica Heckler and Koch MP5 K submachine guns amongst boxes of toys.
The import of replica firearms without a permit is prohibited.
The replica sub-machine guns also featured built in laser guides which according to tests by the Northern Territory Police, exceed the new import control for laser pointers coming into force tomorrow (1 July).
"Customs takes any attempt to illegally import replica guns or firearms seriously and investigate and prosecute where appropriate," Mr Debus said.
"Anyone confronted with one of these weapons in a stressful situation would have a hard time telling them apart from the real thing.
"The laser attachment could also have been potentially very harmful."
The shipment has been seized by Customs and investigations are continuing into the illegal importation.
The maximum penalty for importing replica firearms without approval is $275,000, 10 years imprisonment, or both.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372
A photo of the replica sub-machine guns is available from the Customs Media image gallery at www.customs.gov.au