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Massive weapons cache seized in raids
September 30, 2005 - 6:59AM
Some of the confiscated weapons on display.
Photo: Australian Customs Service
Customs officers have seized one of the largest quantities of illegal weapons ever discovered in Australia after raiding five properties in Sydney's south.
Customs said its officers raided the premises in the past two days at Hurstville and Riverwood, seizing 449 knives and daggers, 267 replica firearms and 171 electric shock devices, including stun guns.
The cache also included 86 slingshots, 88 bags of slingshot ball-bearings, 75 sword sticks and 10 blowdarts.
The seizure came after Customs intercepted two cartons containing 50 blowpipes and 12 pistol crossbows which were concealed within a sea cargo container carrying display units and novelty goods.
The items had arrived in Sydney after being shipped from Shangai, China, in August.
"This is a massive amount of weaponry which no longer presents a threat to the Australian community," Customs NSW director David Collins said in a statement.
"These weapons have the potential to cause serious harm in the community."
People importing these types of weapons without permission faced fines of up to $275,000 and up to 10 years' jail, he said.
Charges were likely to be laid in connection with the weapons seizure, Mr Collins said.
AAP
September 30, 2005 - 6:59AM
Some of the confiscated weapons on display.
Photo: Australian Customs Service
Customs officers have seized one of the largest quantities of illegal weapons ever discovered in Australia after raiding five properties in Sydney's south.
Customs said its officers raided the premises in the past two days at Hurstville and Riverwood, seizing 449 knives and daggers, 267 replica firearms and 171 electric shock devices, including stun guns.
The cache also included 86 slingshots, 88 bags of slingshot ball-bearings, 75 sword sticks and 10 blowdarts.
The seizure came after Customs intercepted two cartons containing 50 blowpipes and 12 pistol crossbows which were concealed within a sea cargo container carrying display units and novelty goods.
The items had arrived in Sydney after being shipped from Shangai, China, in August.
"This is a massive amount of weaponry which no longer presents a threat to the Australian community," Customs NSW director David Collins said in a statement.
"These weapons have the potential to cause serious harm in the community."
People importing these types of weapons without permission faced fines of up to $275,000 and up to 10 years' jail, he said.
Charges were likely to be laid in connection with the weapons seizure, Mr Collins said.
AAP
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