A 67-year-old Tuart Hill man has been fined $15,000 for importing electric shock devices in the mail.
On 21 July 2015, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Perth targeted a parcel from Hong Kong addressed to a residence in Tuart Hill, Western Australia.
The officers examined the parcel and found 40 boxes inside labelled as “rechargeable flashlights”. They opened the boxes and found parts for electric shock devices concealed inside.
Subsequently, on 10 September 2015, ABF investigators executed search and seizure warrants at a residence in Tuart Hill. The investigators uncovered multiple boxes of electric shock devices and parts.
Following the warrant activity, the man was charged with:
- importing prohibited goods in the mail, namely parts for hand-held electric shock devices, contrary to section 233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901 and,
- unlawfully possessing prohibited goods, namely parts for hand-held electric shock devices, contrary to section 233(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1901
ABF Regional Commander WA Rod O’Donnell said this sentencing should serve as a warning to anyone considering importing electric shock devices without a permit.
“Electric shock devices are not toys – they’re potentially very dangerous weapons,” Commander O’Donnell said.
“Although they are freely available to buy online and in market places overseas, it is against the law to import these devices into Australia without a permit.
“If the ABF catches you importing electric shock devices without a permit, we will seize the goods, and you could face fines of up to $180,000.”
This is not the first time that electronic shock devices have been seized by the Australian Border Force. Last year a whole slew of contraband was seized in Melbourne.
