Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have stopped 426 illicit weapons allegedly concealed within three shipping containers from reaching the Australian community.
On Monday, 6 July 2026, ABF officers in Sydney’s Port Botany intercepted the containers, which originated from Asia and had been declared as containing metal fittings. During x-ray examinations, officers identified anomalies within the consignments and subsequently conducted physical examinations, allegedly locating and seizing 426 illicit weapons concealed inside boxes.
Among the items seized were:
- 222 assisted opening knives;
- 138 out-the-front knives;
- 30 trench knives;
- 12 flick knives;
- 12 daggers; and
- 12 push knives.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said every illicit weapon intercepted at the border is one less weapon that could cause serious harm in the Australian community.
“This seizure highlights the expertise of ABF officers in identifying concealed threats and disrupting attempts to import prohibited weapons,” Supt Leighton said.
“The ABF will continue to work tirelessly to detect, deter and disrupt the importation of illicit weapons, preventing these dangerous goods from reaching Australian communities.”
