Australian Border Force officers have seized anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, along with a cache of grenades and trip mines, in raids on two Perth homes last week.
A suspected World War II-era German anti-tank projectile was intercepted in Sydney while en route from Kazakhstan to Perth, with the subsequent investigation into a 31-year-old Australian man leading police to properties in Bassendean and Bellevue.
Nazi iconography was among the items seized from two Perth homes.Credit: Australian Border Force
There, officers seized 29 items including stick grenades, ammunition, trip mine, an anti-aircraft round, daggers, flags with Nazi iconography and several digital devices.
The Department of Defence’s joint explosive ordinance support team confirmed the weapons did not currently contain explosive material, “but could have the potential to be repurposed and used as an explosive device”.
WA Police also allegedly found cannabis, throwing stars, nunchakus, a gel blaster and live ammunition at the homes and interviewed three people as part of an investigation into extremist material.
Police also seized daggers from homes in Bassendean and Bellevue.Credit: Australian Border Force
Investigations are continuing, but ABF Superintendent James Ryan said the proliferation of military-grade technology and weapons of mass destruction was “a complex global issue that requires coordinated efforts”.
“Counter proliferation isn’t only the physical interdiction of illicit goods – but also the intelligence, collaboration and coordination with our partners, that supports our operational activity,” he said.
“Anyone attempting to import military grade weapons is a concern to us and a threat to Australia’s national security.”
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch.
The items seized by Border Force.Credit: Australian Border Force
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