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Authorities have seized over 1,000 guns and gun parts in a sweep targeting the spread of illegal weapons in the nation and its neighbor.

Cross-Border Effort Results in Apprehensions and Seizures

This extended cross-border initiative resulted in in excess of 180 apprehensions, based on statements from immigration authorities, and the recovery of 281 privately manufactured weapons and components, including products made by 3D printers.

Regional Revelations and Arrests

In New South Wales, authorities found numerous additive manufacturing devices alongside pistols of a certain design, cartridge holders and custom-made holders, along with other gear.

State law enforcement reported they arrested 45 individuals and confiscated 518 firearms and firearm parts as part of the operation. Multiple suspects were charged with offences among them the production of banned guns unlicensed, importing banned items and owning a electronic design for creation of guns – an offense in some states.

“Such 3D printed components might appear colourful, but they are serious items. When put together, they turn into lethal weapons – completely illegal and highly hazardous,” an experienced detective said in a announcement. “That’s why we’re aiming at the entire network, from manufacturing devices to foreign pieces.

“Citizen protection forms the basis of our gun registration framework. Shooters must be registered, weapons have to be documented, and adherence is absolute.”

Increasing Phenomenon of Privately Made Guns

Information collected during an investigation reveals that in the last half-decade in excess of 9,000 firearms have been taken illegally, and that in 2025, police made seizures of privately manufactured firearms in almost every administrative division.

Court records reveal that the digital designs currently produced within the country, driven by an digital network of creators and supporters that advocate for an “unlimited right to possess firearms”, are more dependable and dangerous.

Over the past few years the pattern has been from “extremely amateur, minimally functional, almost a one-shot weapon” to higher-quality guns, police stated earlier.

Immigration Interceptions and Web-Based Purchases

Parts that are not easily 3D-printed are commonly ordered from e-commerce sites overseas.

A senior border official stated that over 8,000 illicit weapons, pieces and accessories had been discovered at the border in the last financial year.

“Foreign-sourced firearm parts may be assembled with further privately manufactured components, creating risky and unregistered weapons appearing on our streets,” the agent added.

“Numerous of these items are offered by e-commerce sites, which could result in individuals to incorrectly assume they are not controlled on shipment. A lot of these websites just process purchases from overseas for the customer with no regard for border rules.”

Additional Recoveries In Several Areas

Seizures of objects including a bow weapon and fire projector were additionally conducted in the southeastern state, the WA region, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, where police said they discovered several DIY guns, along with a additive manufacturing device in the isolated community of Nhulunbuy.