THE NSW Police Force is warning members of the community about the illegal importation and possession of prohibited weapons such as the RS-X7 'Doomsday' Slingshot Crossbow.
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The importation of weapons, firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, firearm magazines and accessories for firearms is controlled and restricted by Australian Border Force (ABF).
To import any of these items into NSW, the importer must first obtain approval from either the Commonwealth Attorney General's Department or from the NSW Police Firearms Registry.
Since August this year, the NSW Police Force has received information relating to the illegal importation and possession of RS-X7 'Doomsday' Slingshot Crossbows into NSW from the USA.
The RS-X7 'Doomsday' Slingshot Crossbow - capable of firing metal, glass and clay ball projectiles, as well as arrows - is classified as a prohibited weapon by the NSW Firearms Registry.
Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said these weapons represent a major threat to the safety of the community and emergency service personnel.
"With Christmas only one week away, we want the community to be aware of the dangers associated with prohibited weapons like the RS-X7 'Doomsday' Slingshot Crossbow," Det Supt Watson said.
"We know these items are marketed online as 'shooting toys' - however, they are very capable of inflicting serious injury or even death.
"Specialist detectives are now conducting inquiries into the possession of slingshot crossbows across the State. Initial information has identified several individuals who have recently purchased these weapons from Las Vegas, Nevada.
"We are calling on those in the community who have a slingshot crossbow or other prohibited weapons in their possession to surrender the items to police immediately - otherwise detectives will soon be on your doorstep to seize them."
ABF International Mail, Cargo Clearance and Systems Support NSW, Superintendent John Fleming, said RS-X7 'Doomsday' Slingshot Crossbows are a prohibited import and people should think twice about trying to bring them into Australia.
"Every day, ABF officers use advanced x-ray technology, intelligence, detector dogs and their own intuition to detect and stop illegal weapons at the border," Supt Fleming said.
"Our highly trained officers have already made almost 18,000 detections of prohibited weapons this year, including crossbows, imitation firearms, knives, knuckledusters and electric shock devices.
"Buying one of these weapons could end up costing you more than you think. Attempting to import prohibited items means you'll lose your money; lose your gift and you could face a fine or charges."
To surrender a prohibited weapon, contact your local police station for advice and before attending. Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places - including police stations.
The maximum penalty in NSW for the unauthorised possession of a prohibited weapon is 14 years imprisonment.
