The firearms parts seized by Customs through the interceptions and search warrant

Gun parts imported to build submachine gun

A 55 year old unemployed Christchurch man, Christopher Robin Horgan, was today sentenced for importing firearms parts for a military-style submachine gun. He has been fined $1000 and the firearms parts will be destroyed.

In March 2012, Customs officers at the International Mail Centre intercepted two packages from the United States containing a gun barrel and wooden gun stock. Another package containing various firearms parts, also addressed to Horgan, was intercepted two days later.

Customs’ Acting Group Manager Investigations and Response, Shane Panettiere says Customs was quick to act, due to the seriousness of these imports.

Customs officers, supported by Christchurch Police CIB and the armed offender squad, conducted a search warrant at Horgan’s house where further firearms parts were located. These were in the process of being assembled.

“We have a close working relationship with Police. In this case, they were also able to lay further charges for unrelated offending,” says Mr Panettiere.

Picture of a fully assembled Suomi submachine gun

“Importing firearms and parts is strictly controlled in New Zealand and Customs enforces this restriction at the border on behalf of Police. Importers must apply for a Police permit or relevant endorsement before the goods arrive.”

The absence of proper firearms permits can result in the goods being seized and destroyed, and often prosecution.

Horgan pleaded guilty to four charges of importing firearms parts without the required Police permit. The offence carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment and a $2000 fine.

More information on importing firearms is available on the Police website link: http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/importing.html

A full list of prohibited imports is available on the Customs website link: http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/prohibited/imports/Pages/default.aspx

Last year, 610 firearms and parts were intercepted at the Auckland International Mail Centre. These were all detained for further examination and either released or seized depending on whether the importer had the required import permit.

ENDS

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