Media Release
Queensland man charged with attempting to import hundreds of firearm parts from the USA
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police & Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: images/footage and audio grabs from AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer available via Hightail.
A Queensland man is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today (18 July 2025) charged with the alleged importation of hundreds of firearm parts into Australia from the USA.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) stopped the Joyner man, 34, at Brisbane International Airport on 26 June, 2025, for an incoming passenger inspection.
It is alleged the man, who arrived on a flight from the US, was travelling with information about the alleged import, including consignment details for nine packages later found to contain firearm parts. The ABF handed the matter to the AFP for investigation.
It will be alleged the man sent the individual weapon parts from the US under false descriptions to false names at multiple addresses in Queensland and Victoria. All nine packages were intercepted by the ABF before they could be delivered. The packages were sent to the AFP for forensic analysis.
Police will allege the man planned to assemble the firearm parts in Australia and sell the firearms for $20,000 each.
The AFP charged the man with nine counts of attempting to traffic in firearm parts, contrary to sections 11.1 and 361.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
The man appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 27 June, 2025. He was granted conditional bail and was scheduled to reappear today (18 July, 2025).
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the ABF and AFP acted swiftly to identify and disrupt a significant attempt to allegedly import hundreds of firearm parts into Australia.
“The AFP and ABF work closely every day at airports around the country to detect threats such as firearms trafficking that could harm the Australian community.
“Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons into Australia with the intention of providing them into the hands of individuals or organised crime groups should be warned - the AFP and our partners are ready and waiting to stop you in your tracks,” Det Supt Telfer said.
“Seizing hundreds of firearm parts before they could be sold on the black market has made all Australians safer.
“Even when criminals use weapons bought on the black market to target other criminals in violent confrontations, innocent bystanders’ risk being hurt or killed.
“Our priority is keeping Australians safe, which is why we will continue to be relentless in our commitment to working with our partners to target, identify and disrupt endeavours that present a real risk of becoming a weapons supply line to organised crime.
“We will not tolerate the import and use of illicit weapons in Australia.”
ABF Superintendent Mel Stewart said the operation highlighted the exceptional targeting capabilities of the ABF, the dedication of its frontline officers and what can be achieved when agencies work together.
“The ABF worked closely with the AFP across multiple jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated and swift response,” Superintendent Stewart said.
“This case demonstrates the critical role the ABF plays at the border in protecting the Australian community from serious criminal threats. It also underscores the importance of our close partnerships with domestic and international law enforcement agencies in disrupting illicit importation attempts.”
