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Police have seized more than 1,000 weapons and weapon pieces in a crackdown targeting the circulation of illicit weapons in the nation and New Zealand.

Transnational Initiative Culminates in Detentions and Confiscations

This extended international effort resulted in over 180 detentions, as reported by immigration authorities, and the seizure of 281 privately manufactured weapons and parts, including products created with 3D printers.

State-Level Finds and Detentions

Across the state of NSW, authorities found several additive manufacturing devices alongside pistols of a certain design, ammunition clips and custom-made holders, among other items.

State law enforcement reported they apprehended 45 individuals and took possession of 518 guns and gun components as part of the effort. Multiple persons were faced with crimes among them the manufacture of prohibited guns unlicensed, importing banned items and having a digital blueprint for manufacture of weapons – a violation in some states.

“Those additively manufactured parts could seem colourful, but they are not toys. Once assembled, they become dangerous tools – entirely illicit and very risky,” an experienced detective stated in a statement. “That’s why we’re aiming at the entire network, from fabrication tools to overseas components.

“Public safety forms the basis of our firearms licensing system. Firearm users are required to be authorized, weapons are obliged to be documented, and adherence is mandatory.”

Rising Phenomenon of Privately Made Weapons

Statistics obtained for an inquiry indicates that over the past five years in excess of 9,000 weapons have been lost to theft, and that this year, law enforcement made seizures of privately manufactured guns in the majority of administrative division.

Judicial files reveal that the 3D models being manufactured within the country, powered by an internet group of developers and advocates that support an “absolute freedom to possess firearms”, are steadily functional and deadly.

Over the past several years the trend has been from “extremely amateur, barely operational, practically single-use” to higher-quality weapons, police reported previously.

Immigration Interceptions and Web-Based Transactions

Components that cannot be reliably additively manufactured are commonly ordered from online retailers overseas.

An experienced customs agent said that over 8,000 illegal weapons, components and accessories had been found at the frontier in the last financial year.

“Foreign-sourced firearm parts can be constructed with further privately manufactured components, forming hazardous and unregistered weapons making their way to our communities,” the official said.

“Numerous of these products are being sold by digital stores, which may lead users to mistakenly think they are unregulated on entry. Numerous of these platforms just process purchases from abroad for the customer with no regard for border rules.”

Additional Recoveries Throughout Multiple Regions

Recoveries of products among them a projectile launcher and fire projector were also made in Victoria, the western territory, the island state and the Northern Territory, where law enforcement said they located several homemade guns, along with a 3D printer in the isolated community of Nhulunbuy.