Major Unlawful Guns Operation Sees Over 1,000 Units Confiscated in NZ and Australia
Police have seized more than 1,000 weapons and firearm components during a crackdown targeting the spread of illegal weapons in the nation and New Zealand.
International Effort Results in Arrests and Seizures
This extended transnational initiative led to over 180 detentions, based on statements from customs agents, and the confiscation of 281 privately manufactured guns and pieces, among them items produced using additive manufacturing devices.
Regional Discoveries and Arrests
Within NSW, law enforcement discovered multiple additive manufacturing devices alongside glock-style pistols, ammunition clips and fabricated carrying cases, along with other gear.
State authorities stated they apprehended 45 people and took possession of 518 guns and gun components as part of the initiative. Several individuals were charged with offences such as the creation of banned firearms without a licence, bringing in illegal products and owning a computer file for production of firearms – a crime in various jurisdictions.
“Such 3D printed components might appear colourful, but they are not toys. Once assembled, they turn into dangerous tools – totally unlawful and very risky,” a high-ranking officer stated in a release. “For this purpose we’re focusing on the entire network, from manufacturing devices to foreign pieces.
“Community security forms the basis of our weapon control program. Gun owners need to be licensed, firearms are obliged to be registered, and compliance is mandatory.”
Rising Issue of Homemade Guns
Information collected during an inquiry indicates that in the last half-decade over 9,000 guns have been reported stolen, and that currently, law enforcement executed recoveries of homemade guns in the majority of regional jurisdiction.
Court records reveal that the computer blueprints currently produced domestically, fuelled by an online community of developers and advocates that promote an “absolute freedom to own and carry weapons”, are steadily functional and lethal.
Over the past three to four years the trend has been from “highly unskilled, minimally functional, practically single-use” to more advanced firearms, law enforcement stated at the time.
Border Discoveries and Web-Based Transactions
Components that cannot be reliably additively manufactured are often ordered from digital stores abroad.
A high-ranking border official stated that over 8,000 illicit weapons, pieces and accessories had been found at the customs checkpoint in the last financial year.
“Overseas weapon pieces can be constructed with other privately manufactured parts, forming hazardous and unmarked guns making their way to our neighborhoods,” the agent added.
“Many of these products are available for purchase by online retailers, which may lead users to wrongly believe they are permitted on entry. A lot of these websites only arrange transactions from overseas acting as an intermediary with no regard for import regulations.”
Other Recoveries Across Several Regions
Recoveries of objects among them a bow weapon and flame-thrower were also made in Victoria, the WA region, the southern isle and the the NT, where police said they located several privately manufactured firearms, as well as a 3D printer in the isolated community of a specific location.
