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01 July 2022, 4:51pm
Media Release

Man charged for firearm hidden in gaming console

***Editor’s note: images of the hidden firearm area available via Hightail.***

A Yagoona man was yesterday (30 June 2022) charged by the AFP with multiple offences relating to the alleged importation of firearms and drugs.

The investigation began on 13 October 2021, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility examined a consignment from the US addressed to a parcel collection site in Western Sydney.

A fully operational Glock-style pistol was found concealed with a gaming console.

Further investigations into the matter by the AFP identified the man, 20, as the alleged coordinator of the importation, and linked him to the attempted importation of 500 grams cannabis on 7 August 2021 and seven grams cocaine on 26 September 2021.

AFP, ABF and NSW Police members executed a search warrant at the man’s home on 5 November 2021, where they seized multiple communications devices, fake identity documents and cannabis.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Veraguth said keeping illicit firearms off the streets is a priority for police because of the dangers they pose in the hands of criminals.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts by AFP and our partners, we have been able to protect our community from the far-reaching consequences that may have occurred if the gun had made its way to the offender,” Det-Sgt Veraguth said.

“The AFP will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to identify illegal importations and stop them from reaching the hands of dangerous criminals.”

ABF Commander of Trade and Travel Operations East Sue Drennan said that her team continues to remain vigilant of illegal firearm imports to ensure criminal actors do not get the opportunity to endanger citizens.

“The ABF works tirelessly to protect the community by targeting the illicit firearms trade with advanced analytical techniques and technology,” said Commander Drennan.

“We also continue to work closely with our partner agencies to disrupt criminal syndicates seeking to infiltrate supply chains looking to import illegal firearms and firearm parts into Australia.”

The man was charged with the following offences:

  • attempting to import a substance, the substance being a border controlled drug, namely cannabis, contrary to sections 11.1(1) and 307.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
  • attempting to import a substance, the substance being a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to sections 11.1(1) and 307.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
  • attempting to import a tier 2 good, namely a firearm, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), by virtue of section 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
  • attempting to acquire a firearm, contrary to section 50(a) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), by virtue of section 51CA of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW); and
  • possessing a substance, the substance being a controlled drug, namely cannabis, contrary to section 308.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)

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