RAZORBLADES and makeshift weapons are among a number of items seized during an intensive search at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney as part of an ongoing nationwide operation .

Seventy-seven razorblades , three shivs and 16 smoking implements were seized along with a handwritten note listing firearm parts and prices .

Nine smart phones with the capability to transmit data were also located in common areas of the centre .

The search is part of the Australian Border Force ’ s ( ABF ) Operation Safe Centres , designed to crack down on contraband in immigration detention centres and ensure the safety and good order of the facilities .

ABF Commander Vanessa Holben said activities like these have significantly contributed to safety in immigration detention centres , including fewer assaults , self-harm incidents and major disturbances over the past two years .

“ Since assuming responsibility of the detention network in July 2015 the ABF has deployed superintendents into detention facilities to work directly with service providers and ensure the welfare and safety of detainees , while also maintaining the security and integrity of the network ,” Holben said .

“ While there has been a significant reduction in the number of detainees in Australian immigration detention over the past two years there has also been an increase in the percentage of high-risk detainees , including those with significant criminal histories and links to criminal gangs .

“ These operations are critical to ensure the safety of all detainees , staff and visitors to the centres .”

Operation Safe Centres searches are conducted without warning and are in addition to routine searches by the detention services provider , Serco .

Additional resources such as detector dogs may be used and federal and state and territory police are involved as required .

As a result of these searches , more than 1100 items of contraband have been seized from within immigration detention facilities within the past 12 months . •

A TAIWANESE man , 54 , was sentenced to nine months ’ jail recently after pleading guilty to exporting child pornography .

Australian Border Force ( ABF ) investigators arrested Chien Chung Chun in April attempting to depart Sydney International Airport after a baggage examination uncovered child exploitation material .

Chun was charged with Export Tier 2 goods , namely child pornography .

He appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on June 6 when he was sentenced to nine months ’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of five months .

ABF regional commander NSW , Tim Fitzgerald , said the outcome should serve as a warning to those thinking of importing or exporting child exploitation material .

“ ABF officers have made more than 125 detections of objectionable material at Sydney Airport so far this financial year ,” Fitzgerald said .

“ The ABF is seeing this sort of abhorrent activity regularly , and those involved should know they will face the full force of the law .”

Following the arrest , Chun ’ s visa was cancelled .

The ABF will begin the process of removing him from Australia on his release .

People with information about the illicit importation and export of child exploitation material should contact Border Watch at www . border . gov . au / borderwatch . •