Brisbane man arrested for alleged attempted smuggled stun guns

Australian Border Force investigators arrested a 27-year-old Brisbane man for allegedly importing prohibited electronic control devices in a package at Brisbane Air Cargo.

A Brisbane man has been arrested over the alleged importation of stun guns.

A Brisbane man has been arrested over the alleged importation of stun guns concealed in an air cargo consignment.

Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators arrested the 27-year-old Brisbane man for allegedly importing prohibited electronic control devices following the examination of a

package at Brisbane Air Cargo.

On 13 December 2024, ABF officers inspected a package declared as a flashlight, which was found to contain three handheld stun guns.

These items are classified as prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

The package was addressed to a property in the Brisbane suburb of Kelvin Grove, where a search warrant was executed by ABF officers on Wednesday, January 29.

During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.

The male resident was arrested and charged under the Customs Act 1901 for importing prohibited goods.

Other items of interest were located during the search relating to potential state offences and ABF investigators worked alongside Queensland Police Service, who issued a court

attendance notice to appear for other charges.

Queensland Police have charged the man with five further offences including possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of stolen property.

ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff emphasised the seriousness of importing prohibited items.

“The ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community by preventing the importation of prohibited weapons. This is a serious offence, and I note that the devices

in question were assessed as being law enforcement grade,” Acting Commander Sokoloff said.

“In the wrong hands, these devices would pose a serious risk to the community.

“Individuals attempting to import such items without the necessary permissions will face significant consequences. I’d like to commend our officers for their detection efforts at the

border, and the subsequent investigation and arrest that this led to.”

The maximum penalty for importing prohibited items without permission is up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 2,500 penalty units, or both.

Members of the public with information about the importation of prohibited items are encouraged to report it to Border Watch at www.Australia.gov.au/borderwatch.

Originally published as Brisbane man arrested for alleged attempted smuggled stun guns