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Law enforcement confiscated in excess of 1,000 guns and weapon pieces as part of a sweep aimed at the circulation of unlawful weapons in the country and the island nation.

International Initiative Culminates in Detentions and Confiscations

A seven-day transnational operation culminated in in excess of 180 detentions, based on statements from immigration authorities, and the confiscation of 281 homemade weapons and components, such as units produced using 3D printers.

State-Level Discoveries and Detentions

Within NSW, police found multiple additive manufacturing devices together with glock-style pistols, cartridge holders and fabricated carrying cases, along with other gear.

Regional law enforcement reported they detained 45 individuals and seized 518 guns and gun components as part of the operation. Several suspects were charged with violations such as the creation of prohibited guns unlicensed, shipping illegal products and having a digital blueprint for manufacture of guns – a crime in some states.

“Those additively manufactured parts may look bright, but they are serious items. Once assembled, they become lethal weapons – entirely illicit and extremely dangerous,” a senior police official stated in a statement. “That’s why we’re focusing on the complete pipeline, from printers to overseas components.

“Public safety sits at the core of our firearms licensing system. Firearm users must be licensed, weapons have to be recorded, and conformity is mandatory.”

Growing Trend of DIY Firearms

Information obtained during an investigation reveals that during the previous five years over 9,000 weapons have been lost to theft, and that in 2025, law enforcement made seizures of DIY weapons in nearly all state and territory.

Court records indicate that the 3D models currently produced domestically, powered by an online community of developers and supporters that support an “unlimited right to possess firearms”, are increasingly reliable and dangerous.

In recent several years the pattern has been from “extremely amateur, very low-powered, practically single-use” to more advanced guns, law enforcement reported earlier.

Border Interceptions and Online Transactions

Parts that cannot be reliably fabricated are commonly purchased from online retailers abroad.

An experienced immigration officer commented that in excess of 8,000 illicit guns, pieces and add-ons had been found at the customs checkpoint in the most recent accounting period.

“Overseas gun components may be assembled with additional DIY pieces, forming risky and unmarked guns making their way to our neighborhoods,” the agent said.

“Many of these products are available for purchase by online retailers, which may lead individuals to incorrectly assume they are permitted on import. A lot of these websites just process purchases from overseas for the customer lacking attention for import regulations.”

Additional Seizures Throughout Various Regions

Recoveries of products among them a bow weapon and fire projector were additionally conducted in the southeastern state, Western Australia, the island state and the the central territory, where police stated they discovered several privately manufactured weapons, in addition to a additive manufacturing device in the isolated community of Nhulunbuy.