Airport officials have revealed that throwing knives, samurai swords and even a grenade launcher were among the 300 illegal weapons seized at Perth Airport, in only the last two months. The deadly haul, brought into the country by passengers arriving in Australia, included flick knives, knuckle dusters and a crossbow. The grenade launcher, believed to be from Russia, was one of the more alarming finds. Heavily armed: Knuckle dusters, nunchuks and a grenade launcher were among the weapons seized from January 1 to March 4 . Figures released by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service state that over 30 real and imitation firearms were seized from airline passengers. Passengers could face a $425,000 fine or 10 years in prison for importing dangerous goods without permission. Authorities say that people must be starting to understand these kinds of weapons won't be let into the country after they saw a drastic decrease in the number of weapons seized from 2013 to 2014. Last year 1,318 illegal weapons were discovered, a significant drop from the 3,075 seized in 2013. Assistant Minister for Imm­igration and Border Protection, Michaelia Cash, told Perth Now that it's overseas vendors that are to blame for selling the weapons to Australians under the guise they will make it across the border. Authorities say Australians are being deceived by international vendors who lead them to believe the weapons will make it home . 'People may think that items such as laser pointers, flick knives, and shock devices make for an impressive souvenir but they could end up costing you more than you bargained for,' Senator Cash said. She recommends that travellers make sure they understand the restrictions placed on what comes through customs so they don't end up throwing their hard earned cash away. 'Every year, travellers are losing their hard-earned money by bringing items and gifts back into Australia that they can't keep. 'If you bring these things back they'll be seized. You'll lose the item, waste your money and may face a ­penalty.' Airports aren't the only target with reports claiming firearms are being trafficked through the mail . In an annual report, by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, it was found that the number of undeclared handguns detected by customs had skyrocketed by 60 per cent. The report advised people are using the mail to conceal and deliver handguns in illicit firearm trafficking networks. Authorities maintain that identifying and dismantling these networks is a 'high priority'. 'We have strengthened our targeting regimen and enhanced opportunities to increase detection of illicit firearms,' the report said.
Over 300 illegal weapons have been seized from Perth Airport since January 1 . Items included knuckle dusters, guns, knives and even a grenade launcher . The number of weapons brought into Australia decreased in 2014 compared to 2013 . 'You'll lose the item, waste your money and may face a ­penalty,' tells authorities .