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Police have seized over 1,000 firearms and firearm components as part of a sweep aimed at the circulation of illicit weapons in the country and the island nation.

International Effort Leads to Detentions and Recoveries

The week-long cross-border operation resulted in more than 180 arrests, as reported by border officials, and the recovery of 281 homemade weapons and components, such as units made by 3D printers.

Regional Revelations and Arrests

Within NSW, authorities discovered multiple three-dimensional printers in addition to pistols of a certain design, cartridge holders and fabricated carrying cases, along with other gear.

State police reported they detained 45 people and took possession of 518 weapons and gun components as part of the effort. Numerous suspects were accused of violations including the production of banned guns without proper authorization, importing prohibited goods and having a electronic design for creation of guns – a violation in various jurisdictions.

“These additively manufactured parts could seem colourful, but they are far from playthings. When put together, they become deadly arms – completely illegal and extremely dangerous,” an experienced detective commented in a announcement. “That’s why we’re aiming at the full supply chain, from fabrication tools to foreign pieces.

“Public safety is the foundation of our firearms licensing system. Gun owners are required to be licensed, guns must be documented, and compliance is mandatory.”

Increasing Trend of Homemade Weapons

Statistics collected during an investigation reveals that during the previous five years more than 9,000 guns have been reported stolen, and that in 2025, police conducted confiscations of DIY weapons in nearly all administrative division.

Judicial files reveal that the 3D models currently produced domestically, powered by an internet group of designers and enthusiasts that support an “absolute freedom to keep and bear arms”, are increasingly reliable and lethal.

Over the past several years the trend has been from “very novice, very low-powered, almost a one-shot weapon” to more advanced firearms, authorities stated at the time.

Immigration Discoveries and Digital Transactions

Parts that are not easily 3D-printed are often purchased from online retailers abroad.

A senior customs agent stated that in excess of 8,000 illicit weapons, pieces and add-ons had been found at the frontier in the most recent accounting period.

“Overseas gun components are often put together with further privately manufactured parts, forming risky and unregistered weapons making their way to our neighborhoods,” the official stated.

“Many of these items are being sold by e-commerce sites, which might cause individuals to mistakenly think they are not controlled on entry. Many of these websites simply place orders from international on the buyer’s behalf with no regard for customs laws.”

Additional Seizures In Multiple Areas

Seizures of products including a bow weapon and flame-thrower were additionally conducted in the state of Victoria, Western Australia, the island state and the the NT, where authorities reported they found several DIY firearms, in addition to a fabrication tool in the isolated community of Nhulunbuy.