ACT Policing has issued a public reminder that replica firearms known as gel blasters are illegal in the ACT and anyone caught with one could face up to 10 years in jail.
ACT delegate to the Registrar of Firearms, Detective Sergeant Rodney Swain said there had been an increase in the use and possession of gel blasters in 2019, including incidents where people were carrying them for personal protection, pointing them at neighbours and posting ‘selfies’ with them online.
“If you are in possession of a gel blaster in public, you run the risk of police seeing it as a real firearm,” DS Swain said.
“Earlier this year a person holding a gel blaster was engaged by police, with a beanbag round used to subdue them.”
“Given the realistic nature of the gel blaster being carried by this person, the incident could have ended a lot differently,” he said.
Gel blasters, also referred to as gel ball blasters, are classified as prohibited firearms in the ACT as they mechanically function as air guns, and also as they closely resemble other military-style firearms.
“While these items are legal in some Australian States and available from internet sellers, they are classed as illegal firearms in the ACT,” DS Swain said.
“It is illegal to possess them.”
“It is also illegal to import them into the ACT and those who do will face severe penalties.”
DS Swain said anyone in possession of a gel blaster should surrender the weapon to the ACT Policing Exhibit Management Centre at 86 Vicars St, Mitchell.
He also urged anyone with information about the possession or sale of gel blasters or other illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, where information could be provided anonymously.
