A Sydney man charged over an alleged attempt to smuggle two handguns into Australia from the United States is due to face Downing Centre Local Court today (14 January, 2026), as investigators step up efforts to locate another suspect linked to the plot.
The Australian Federal Police investigation began in October 2025 after a referral from United States Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities alleged officers from US Customs and Border Protection in Hawaii intercepted a parcel containing two dismantled pistols hidden inside remote-control cars, shipped from Arizona and bound for Australia.
After the firearms were removed, the package was allowed to continue its journey and was delivered to a home in Punchbowl. Police allege a 39-year-old man from Kingsgrove collected the parcel on 4 November 2025 and took it to a nearby address, where he attempted to open it before being arrested by AFP officers.
A search of the property allegedly uncovered pepper spray and electronic devices, now undergoing forensic analysis. The man has been charged with importing prohibited goods, namely firearms, under the Customs Act, and with acquiring a firearm under NSW law. Prosecutors say the offences carry maximum penalties of 10 and 14 years’ imprisonment respectively.
He was refused bail when he appeared before a NSW bail court on 5 November 2025 and is scheduled to reappear today.
Investigators later executed another warrant at a home in Greenacre, where they seized a sawn-off 12-gauge shotgun and a loaded revolver. During that operation, a 24-year-old man approached officers; police allegedly spotted what appeared to be an assault rifle inside his vehicle, later identified as a gel blaster. He was arrested and charged by New South Wales Police with firearm offences.
Further inquiries led police to identify a third alleged participant, 30-year-old Greenacre man Ahmed Hallak. An arrest warrant has been issued, and the AFP has appealed for public assistance to help locate him in Sydney’s southwest.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said investigators would allege Mr Hallak was part of the group that attempted to retrieve the firearms in November 2025. He urged Mr Hallak to contact police and warned that anyone helping him evade authorities could face charges.
“Anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal weapons into Australia, where they might reach organised crime groups, should be warned — the AFP and its partners are ready to stop you in your tracks,” Det Supt Blunden said.
Members of the public with information about Mr Hallak’s whereabouts are urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Anyone who sees him should not approach, but call triple zero (000) immediately.
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