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Law enforcement have seized over 1,000 guns and firearm components during a operation targeting the proliferation of unlawful firearms in the nation and New Zealand.

Cross-Border Initiative Culminates in Arrests and Recoveries

A seven-day cross-border operation resulted in over 180 arrests, according to immigration authorities, and the recovery of 281 DIY firearms and parts, such as products produced using three-dimensional printers.

Local Finds and Apprehensions

In New South Wales, police found multiple 3D printers alongside semi-automatic handguns, cartridge holders and custom-made holders, among other items.

State law enforcement reported they detained 45 individuals and seized 518 weapons and weapon pieces during the initiative. Several persons were charged with crimes among them the production of illegal guns without a licence, shipping illegal products and possessing a computer file for creation of firearms – an offense in certain regions.

“Such additively manufactured parts may look bright, but they are far from playthings. Once assembled, they turn into dangerous tools – completely illegal and extremely dangerous,” an experienced detective said in a announcement. “For this purpose we’re focusing on the complete pipeline, from manufacturing devices to foreign pieces.

“Citizen protection sits at the core of our weapon control program. Firearm users are required to be registered, firearms must be documented, and adherence is mandatory.”

Increasing Issue of Privately Made Guns

Statistics obtained during an inquiry reveals that over the past five years more than 9,000 guns have been taken illegally, and that in 2025, police executed recoveries of DIY guns in almost every state and territory.

Court records show that the 3D models now created within the country, fuelled by an online community of creators and enthusiasts that advocate for an “absolute freedom to possess firearms”, are increasingly reliable and lethal.

Over the past three to four years the trend has been from “highly unskilled, barely operational, nearly disposable” to more advanced weapons, police reported at the time.

Border Seizures and Online Sales

Parts that cannot be reliably fabricated are frequently acquired from digital stores internationally.

An experienced customs agent said that in excess of 8,000 illicit firearms, parts and attachments had been detected at the frontier in the last financial year.

“Foreign-sourced gun components can be constructed with further homemade components, creating hazardous and unmarked firearms making their way to our neighborhoods,” the officer said.

“Many of these goods are available for purchase by e-commerce sites, which might cause people to wrongly believe they are not controlled on shipment. Many of these platforms only arrange transactions from overseas acting as an intermediary with no regard for border rules.”

Additional Recoveries In Various Territories

Recoveries of items such as a bow weapon and fire projector were further executed in Victoria, Western Australia, the southern isle and the the central territory, where law enforcement said they found several homemade firearms, along with a fabrication tool in the isolated community of Nhulunbuy.