Stun guns or Tasers are being illegally brought in Australia despite the protection device being prohibited in the country. In 2012, about 2,600 such devices were illegally shipped to Australia hidden in 1,200 shipments but were discovered by border guards.

The latest model, made by a U.S. company Yellow Jacket and marketed as the world's first stun gun, has an iPhone case, could fit into a back pocket and even make calls. However, in case of an attack, it could emit a 650k volt enough to deter a would-be rapist or robber. It has a price tag of $139.

The firm, which began to distribute the first 3,000 units in March 2013, made the protective gadget after the founder was attacked at his house by an armed intruder.

"We want to help average citizens and smart phone owners be more aware and better protected as they go about their lives," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Yellow Jacket Chief Executive Sean Simone.

Customs officials said there were a minimum of 88 mobile phone-like Taser guns detected by the agency in 2012. One such brand is the Kelin K95. Some are disguised as cigarette lighters.

They added 58 per cent of the confiscated cell phones-cum-stun guns were sent via international mail and 37 per cent at airports.

The countries of origin of these devices are Hong Kong, China, U.S. and Singapore. These gadgets are easily detected using X-ray machines since their image often yield contents not in accordance with a normal phone or case.

Mr Simone said it sells its stun gun only in places where ownership is legal. However, he urged Australia to consider reversing the ban which would be preferred since it would encourage citizens to use non-lethal weapons instead of guns when battling robbers and other types of criminals.

But despite the ban, creative Aussies could be tempted as an alternative to learn how to make a home-made stun gun by following instructions from YouTube tutorials such as the following video.

However, they are warned it is considered illegal in Australia.