customs media realease-Weapons haul leads to imported turtle
Weapons haul leads to imported turtles - Friday, 17th March 2006
One of the three red-eared slider turtles located by Customs allegedly imported from the US
Customs has seized a cache of illegal weapons and located turtles allegedly imported from the US in contravention of wildlife laws in a cross-border operation involving officers from both NSW and Victoria.
The investigation began when Customs officers in Sydney intercepted an air cargo consignment destined for a Melbourne address last month.
The package contained butterfly knives, slingshots with arm braces and a flick knife. All items are prohibited imports, if imported to Australia without a permit.
Customs officers yesterday searched a home in Pascoe Vale, Melbourne, with the assistance of Victoria Police and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.
They allegedly found a crossbow and three red-eared slider turtles. The turtles are native to the south-eastern region of the United States.
A 37-year-old man has been interviewed by Customs in relation to the imported weapons and inquiries are continuing.
The maximum penalty for importing non-firearm weapons is $275,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment.
Customs Victorian Regional Director, Jaclyne Fisher said Customs views seriously the importation of prohibited weapons without prior permission.
In addition, Ms Fisher said Australia had some of the strictest wildlife protection laws in the world.
"This operation is a credit to the skills of our Customs investigation team and the co-operation between Customs and state wildlife protection agencies," Ms Fisher said.
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