By JOHN ARMSTRONG political editor
Customs officers averted a potential Nazi-style bombing campaign with the arrest and jailing of a reclusive Foxton man on firearms and explosives charges, Parliament was told yesterday.
The charges followed a customs and police raid on the man's home where he was also found in possession of racist literature plus a comprehensive list of marae and Jewish congregation centres around the country.
Stefano Wayne Durante, who lost his firearms licence in 1993, pleaded guilty two weeks ago to possessing a machine-gun, a sawnoff shotgun, a semi-automatic rifle and explosives.
The 46-year-old labourer was jailed for three years.
He also faced charges relating to the importing of illegal magazine material plus possession of explosives, shotgun shells and boxes containing various-calibre ammunition.
Customs Minister Phillida Bunkle told MPs the case bore parallels with Nazi-style nail bombings in Britain.
"It is clear in this case that vigilant customs enforcement has protected the community from potential tragedy."
Early last year, three people died and scores were maimed in separate bomb attacks in London's gay, black and Bangladeshi communities.
Last month, the lone bomber received six life sentences.
It is understood that Durante - considered a recluse - was acting alone. Sources said he had connections to white supremacist organisations overseas, but no known links to extremist groups in New Zealand.
Ms Bunkle said Customs had intercepted illegal publications on booby-trap making, importing ammunition and warfare.
Customs agents then searched Durante's home and discovered terrorist handbooks, mortar and bazooka construction manuals, assassination devices, instructions in silent killing, Nazi hate literature inciting violence and White Aryan resistance literature.
At the hearing in the Levin District Court, the crown prosecutor said the case showed "an underlying degree of menace borderlining on evil."
But Durante's lawyer argued that his white supremacist views and interest in Nazi memorabilia should not be linked to his firearms.
Customs 'saves country' from bombing spree
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