Man Fined $3000 for Illegally Importing Pepper Sprays

A 27-year-old Caloundra man has been fined $3000 for smuggling pepper spray devices into Australia. Mr Clinton Meyers pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday 28 August to charges of importing prohibited items and unlawfully possessing prohibited items.

Customs Acting National Manager Investigations, Kaylene Zakharoff, said the conviction should send a warning to people who were tempted to purchase prohibited goods over the internet and smuggle them into Australia.

“People should be aware that Customs will investigate and prosecute those involved in importing prohibited items,” Ms Zakharoff said.

Investigations began in March this year when Customs identified a number of purchases of prohibited items.

Customs investigators executed search warrants at the man’s Eumundi residence on 14 March. A number of pepper sprays and refills were found at the premises.

Mr Meyers was charged by Customs investigators with importing a prohibited import under Section 233(1)(b) and unlawfully possessing a prohibited import under Section 233 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1901.

Mr Meyers was convicted on both charges and was fined a total of $3000. He was also ordered to pay costs of $937.20.

Source: Australian Customs Service

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