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Law enforcement have seized in excess of 1,000 guns and weapon pieces as part of a operation focusing on the spread of illicit guns in the country and the island nation.

Cross-Border Effort Leads to Arrests and Recoveries

This extended transnational operation culminated in in excess of 180 arrests, based on statements from border officials, and the recovery of 281 homemade guns and components, such as units made by 3D printers.

Local Revelations and Apprehensions

In New South Wales, law enforcement discovered numerous additive manufacturing devices in addition to semi-automatic handguns, ammunition clips and 3D-printed holsters, in addition to various pieces.

Regional law enforcement reported they apprehended 45 suspects and seized 518 weapons and gun components as part of the initiative. Numerous individuals were faced with offences including the creation of banned firearms without a licence, shipping prohibited goods and owning a electronic design for manufacture of weapons – a crime in certain regions.

“These fabricated pieces might appear colourful, but they are not toys. Once assembled, they become lethal weapons – totally unlawful and very risky,” a high-ranking officer commented in a announcement. “This is the reason we’re aiming at the full supply chain, from fabrication tools to foreign pieces.

“Public safety sits at the core of our weapon control program. Gun owners need to be registered, firearms must be recorded, and adherence is mandatory.”

Growing Issue of DIY Firearms

Data obtained as part of an investigation indicates that over the past five years over 9,000 weapons have been taken illegally, and that in 2025, law enforcement conducted confiscations of homemade firearms in the majority of regional jurisdiction.

Court records reveal that the 3D models currently produced within the country, fuelled by an online community of designers and supporters that support an “unlimited right to possess firearms”, are increasingly reliable and deadly.

In recent several years the development has been from “highly unskilled, minimally functional, nearly disposable” to more advanced firearms, authorities said at the time.

Border Interceptions and Web-Based Transactions

Parts that cannot be reliably 3D-printed are frequently purchased from digital stores abroad.

A high-ranking immigration officer said that more than 8,000 unlawful firearms, parts and attachments had been found at the customs checkpoint in the most recent accounting period.

“Overseas firearm parts are often put together with other DIY pieces, forming risky and unmarked guns filtering onto our streets,” the official added.

“Many of these goods are being sold by online retailers, which might cause people to wrongly believe they are unregulated on import. Many of these platforms just process purchases from overseas for the customer with no regard for import regulations.”

Additional Recoveries In Multiple Areas

Seizures of products including a projectile launcher and flame-thrower were further executed in the southeastern state, Western Australia, the southern isle and the Northern Territory, where authorities stated they located several homemade guns, in addition to a additive manufacturing device in the isolated community of the named area.