Man Faces Charges for Shotgun Found in Luggage at Sydney Airport, Allegedly an 80-Year-Old Antique

An Australian Federal Police officer on patrol at Sydney Domestic Airport in Sydney, Australia on July 31, 2017. Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

A 39-year-old man from South Wentworthville was stopped at Sydney Airport on Dec. 28, 2024, after a disassembled shotgun and ammunition were allegedly found in his checked luggage.

Identified as Antonios Moussa, he now faces charges under section 361.3 of the Criminal Code (Cth) for trafficking firearms or firearm parts out of Australia.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

During a bail hearing on Jan. 7, Moussa’s lawyer, Stephen Stanton, claimed the firearm was non-operational, describing it as “an old gun, about 80 years old” with “a broken stock.”

He added, “It will be shown ... that the gun was inoperative.”

Magistrate Hugh Donnelly, while granting bail, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and noted that a jail sentence remained a possibility.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers conducted an inspection and allegedly found parts of a shotgun and ammunition. He was detained, and the weapon was confiscated.

The AFP also alleged that the firearm was not registered to Moussa.

The discovery occurred during a routine X-ray screening when security personnel identified suspicious items in Moussa’s baggage.

Moussa, en route to Lebanon, was stopped from boarding and questioned about the weapon, which was seized.

AFP Commends Swift Action

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Dom Stephenson commended the vigilance of airport security staff and AFP officers in preventing a potential threat.

“There was initially a claim that the weapon was a ‘drenching gun’ used for agricultural purposes. However, the AFP later determined it was a shotgun disassembled into two parts. This is a serious weapon with the potential to cause significant harm,” said Stephenson.

“Airport security screening staff were vigilant and, together with AFP officers, acted swiftly to protect the travelling public and prevent weapons from being taken overseas,” he added.

Firearm Found on the Gold Coast

In September 2024, 62-year-old New Zealand national Mark Quentin Sargent was arrested at Gold Coast International Airport under similar circumstances. Airline staff reported suspicious behaviour, leading Australian Border Force (ABF) officers to investigate.

Sargent was found with a package containing 200 bullets, 65 shotgun shells, nearly 300 high-calibre bullet casings, and firearm parts, including stocks, barrels, and triggers.

He was charged under the Customs Act for attempting to export firearm parts without permits, an offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison or fines of $780,000 (US$485,000).

Border Force Calls for Caution

ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman said it was important to comply with export laws.

“Exporting firearm parts and accessories without a permit is illegal. It is incredibly reckless to attempt to bring such items on board a commercial airliner,” she said.

In addition to firearms, ABF officials intercept various prohibited items at Australian airports.

In 2023, three American women were caught smuggling 30 kilograms of cocaine into Melbourne, while biosecurity officers seized over 400,000 hazardous items last year.

AAP contributed to this report.