A Perth man has been fined more than $6000 for illegally importing an unfinished firearm "silencer" he purchased online from a US-based website.
The 42-year-old pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday to one charge under section 233(1)(b) of the Customs Act.
He was fined $6533.
Australian Border Force WA Regional Commander Rod O'Donnell said the penalty should serve as a reminder to people about the dangers of purchasing weapons or accessories online.
"Many overseas websites, particularly those based in the US, sell items that are prohibited in Australia. It is the responsibility of anyone purchasing these items to ensure they meet all import requirements, including relevant permits and authorisations," Commander O'Donnell said.
"These items can be extremely dangerous and can pose a threat to the Australian community and for that reason their importation is controlled."
Penalties for importing firearms and other accessories without a permit can be up to 10 years jail and fines of up to $525,000.
Last financial year ABF officers made 1709 "detections" of undeclared firearms, parts and accessories at the border.
"People should remember that anything purchased online will eventually have to come across the border and illicit goods will be targeted by our highly-trained ABF officers," Commander O'Donnell added.
Anyone with information about the illicit importation of firearms or firearm parts can contact BorderWatch by visiting www.border.gov.au/borderwatch.
