Major Unlawful Guns Operation Sees Over 1,000 Pieces Taken in NZ and AU

Law enforcement have seized more than 1,000 firearms and firearm components during a sweep targeting the circulation of illicit weapons in Australia and New Zealand.

Transnational Operation Leads to Apprehensions and Confiscations

A seven-day international initiative resulted in over 180 apprehensions, according to customs agents, and the seizure of 281 DIY guns and parts, such as items made by 3D printers.

Regional Discoveries and Detentions

Across the state of NSW, authorities discovered numerous additive manufacturing devices together with pistols of a certain design, magazines and 3D-printed holsters, along with other gear.

State police stated they apprehended 45 suspects and seized 518 guns and gun components in the course of the operation. Multiple persons were charged with violations among them the manufacture of prohibited firearms unlicensed, bringing in prohibited goods and owning a digital blueprint for creation of guns – a violation in some states.

“Those 3D printed components could seem bright, but they are far from playthings. When put together, they become deadly arms – entirely illicit and very risky,” a high-ranking officer stated in a release. “This is the reason we’re focusing on the complete pipeline, from printers to overseas components.

“Citizen protection sits at the core of our weapon control program. Firearm users are required to be licensed, guns are obliged to be documented, and compliance is non-negotiable.”

Rising Trend of DIY Guns

Statistics gathered during an probe indicates that in the last half-decade over 9,000 firearms have been lost to theft, and that currently, authorities made seizures of privately manufactured weapons in almost every state and territory.

Legal documents show that the digital designs being manufactured domestically, powered by an online community of developers and supporters that advocate for an “absolute freedom to keep and bear arms”, are steadily functional and dangerous.

During the last several years the trend has been from “very novice, very low-powered, nearly disposable” to more advanced weapons, authorities said at the time.

Border Interceptions and Digital Sales

Parts that cannot be reliably additively manufactured are frequently acquired from online retailers overseas.

A high-ranking immigration officer stated that in excess of 8,000 illegal firearms, parts and attachments had been detected at the customs checkpoint in the last financial year.

“Imported gun components may be assembled with other DIY parts, forming risky and unregistered weapons appearing on our communities,” the officer said.

“Numerous of these items are offered by online retailers, which may lead people to wrongly believe they are unregulated on entry. Many of these websites only arrange transactions from overseas for the customer without any considerations for customs laws.”

Additional Seizures Across Several Regions

Seizures of objects including a bow weapon and fire projector were also made in Victoria, the western territory, the island state and the the NT, where police reported they discovered several DIY weapons, in addition to a additive manufacturing device in the distant settlement of Nhulunbuy.