More than 500 weapons were allegedly seized across the state. Photos: NSW Police.
A 21-year-old man from Adelong was one of 45 people arrested after NSW Police officers seized 518 firearms and firearm parts during a week of action targeting illicit firearms.
The National Illicit Firearms Working Group – consisting of police from jurisdictions across Australia, federal agencies, and NZ Police – coordinated a transnational week of action between Monday, 13 October and Sunday, 19 October.
As part of this operation, officers executed a search warrant in Adelong just before 7:10 am on Tuesday last week (14 October). They allegedly located and seized two imitation pistols, four privately made firearms, and a significant amount of equipment used to make firearms.
A 21-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Tumut Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol, manufacturing a prohibited firearm without a licence/permit, and three counts of intentionally importing prohibited Tier 2 goods without approval. He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 5 the next day.
Other incidents noted by police included:
- Officers executed a search warrant in Hinchinbrook just before 7 am on 13 October. They allegedly located a 3D printer in operation allegedly attempting to print a firearm part, as well as numerous other firearm parts, electronics and cryptocurrency wallets. A 41-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with manufacturing a prohibited firearm without a licence/permit, possessing a digital blueprint for the manufacture of firearms, and having a firearm found at a premises subject to a prohibition order. He was refused bail and appeared in Liverpool Local Court the same day.
- About 6:15 am on 14 October, officers executed a search warrant in Gosford. At the address, police allegedly seized 24 items, including a 3D printer, three manufactured Glock-style pistols, magazines, 3D-printed holsters, an imitation revolver, and electronics relevant to their investigation. A 52-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with 14 offences, including two counts of possessing an unauthorised or prohibited firearm, two counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, possessing more than three unregistered firearms, among other charges. He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 6 the same day.
- About 10:45 am on 14 October, officers executed a search warrant in Kotara, where they allegedly located and seized two rifles, three revolvers, an automatic pistol, 1000 rounds of ammunition and a number of both privately and commercially made firearm parts. A 35-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Newcastle City Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol and two counts of possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, among other charges. He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 2 on Wednesday (15 October).
- About 8:30 am on 14 October, officers executed a search warrant in Belfield, where they allegedly located an imitation Glock pistol, two silver BB handguns, an imitation revolver, a folding firearm, a privately made firearm, seven slingshots, five extendable batons, a can of OC spray, three firearm suppressors, more than 3700 rounds of ammunition and seven grams of cannabis. Ten rifles registered to the man were also allegedly found at a property in Strathfield, where they were not properly secured. A 47-year-old man was arrested and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with six counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, four counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol, two counts of possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, not keeping a firearm safely and not notifying of arrangements for safekeeping of firearms, among other charges. He was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday (15 October).
Police allegedly seized equipment used to make weapons.
The statewide component of the operation resulted in the execution of 20 warrants, the arrest of 45 people, the laying of 206 charges, the issuance of 15 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), the completion of 91 FPO compliance checks, and 1628 safe storage inspections.
In total, NSW police located and seized 270 firearms, 89 firearm parts, 19 imitation firearms, 10 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearms, and 130 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearm parts.
Commander of the State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad and national chair of the Illicit Firearms Working Group, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said criminals were innovating, but so were police.
“Privately manufactured firearms present a fast-evolving challenge, but this operation shows what’s possible when agencies collaborate effectively,” he said.
“These 3D-printed components may look colourful, but they are not toys. Once assembled, they become lethal weapons – entirely illicit and extremely dangerous. That’s why we’re targeting the full supply chain, from printers to imported parts.
“By combining intelligence, resources and expertise, we’ve not only disrupted criminal activity, we’ve sent a clear message to those who think they can operate in the shadows: we will find you.”
