Sarah Schwager
CUSTOM officials seized an illegal pistol in Dandenong after it was discovered in sea cargo sent from the United States.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service intercepted the ninemillimetre Glock pistol in a warehouse in Dandenong, where it was unpacked and examined by customs.
A 40yearold man has been questioned over the semiautomatic pistol after customs officials last week raided a property in Moe.
Customs Regional Director for Victoria Jaclyne Fisher said customs viewed the undeclared importation of firearms seriously.
“Customs will continue to be vigilant to prevent illegal firearms entering the country and will investigate and, as appropriate, prosecute offenders,” she said.
Firearms and other weapons are restricted imports under Customs Prohibited Import Regulations.
The maximum penalty for importing firearms without permission is a $275,000 fine and/or 10 years’ imprisonment.
Investigations into the importation of the weapon are continuing and charges are yet to be laid.