Customs and Border Protection media release

Warning to weapons smugglers: two convicted in Cairnsm - 25 August 2010

Two recent convictions in Cairns have sent a strong message to those thinking of importing prohibited or restricted weapons without a permit, in particular
highlighting the significant penalties involved with this type of illegal activity.

On 19 August, two men were fined and convicted in the Cairns Magistrates Court on separate and unrelated prohibited weapons import charges.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations, Kingsley Woodford-Smith, said these two convictions serve as reminders to the public
that prohibited weapon importation is a serious crime.

“No matter how small the quantity, it is still an offence to import prohibited or restricted weapons without a permit,” he said.

“A combination of well-trained and highly skilled staff, intelligence analysis and state of the art technology detected the importation of these prohibited imports
into Australia.”

Mr Woodford-Smith said people should check what is legal before attempting to import any weapons into Australia via the post or through the airport.

“Although some weapons may be readily available to purchase overseas or on the internet, they are not always legal in Australia. These weapons include
firearms, daggers, flick knives, crossbows, stun guns and laser pointers,” he said.

Under the Customs Act 1901, importing such weapons without permission carries heavy penalties with a maximum fine of up to $275,000 or ten years
gaol, or both.

Media note: Details of the two separate prosecutions are available below.

Background:
On 19 August 2010, 22 year old Christopher Bowtell of Brinsmead was sentenced in Cairns Magistrates Court on one charge of importing prohibited imports contrary to s233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901. He pleaded guilty to the importation of one extendable baton and three butterfly knives.

Mr Bowtell was convicted and fined $3,500 and ordered to pay $760 for professional and court costs.

The investigation began when four packages addressed to two Cairns addresses were inspected by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Sydney International Mail facility in April 2010. One package contained three blades for butterfly knives; another contained three handles for butterfly knives. The other two parcels each contained one part of an extendable baton.

In a separate case also heard at Cairns Magistrates Court on 19 August 2010, a 68 year old man was sentenced on one charge of importing prohibited imports contrary to s233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901.

Eberhard Machatsch of Redlynch pleaded guilty to the importation of prohibited imports. Mr Machatsch attempted to import one shock device, two knuckle dusters, one flick knife, one push knife and one dagger.

Mr Machatsch was convicted and fined $4,000 and ordered to pay $760 for professional and court costs.

The investigation commenced when Customs and Border Protection officers detected a quantity of weapons in a suitcase within a shipping container at the Townsville Container Examination Facility in November 2009.

Media enquiries:
Contact Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793