'Threat is real': Chilling warning over 3D-printed guns flooding Australia after major crackdown

Law enforcement have warned "the threat is real" as increasing numbers of high quality, high-power home-made and 3D printed guns flood into Australia.

A multi-agency operation led by the Australian Border Force and spanning every state and territory in Australia as well as New Zealand, saw police engage in a week-long crackdown on illegal guns around the country.

ABF Commander Graeme Campbell said around the country, police had made 184 arrests and laid 854 charges.

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They seized 719 whole guns, 489 firearm parts, 64 imitation firearms, and 281 3D-printed or privately made firearms and parts.

Campbell said many of home-made and 3D-printed guns and parts were intercepted at the border from a broad range of overseas sources.

In NSW alone, police executed 20 warrants between October 13 and October 19.

In total, 45 people were arrested, 206 charges laid, and 270 guns seized.

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Police also collected 89 gun parts, 19 imitation guns, 10 home-made or 3D-printed guns and 130 home-made or 3D-printed gun parts.

The home-made firearms were a major focus of the operation, and were involved in some of the biggest busts.

Just before 7am on Monday, October 13, police carried out a search warrant in Hinchinbrook, Sydney, where they allegedly found a 3D printer attempting to print a gun part.

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Officers also allegedly seized numerous other firearm parts, electronics, and crypto-currency wallets.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple firearm-related offences.

The next day, on Tuesday, October 14, in a search warrant in Gosford north of Sydney, police seized another 3D printer and three home-made Glock-style pistols, magazines, holsters, and other items.

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A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with 14 gun-related offences.

NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said the quality of the guns was increasing and newer models had displayed semi-automatic and high-powered capabilities.

"Privately manufactured firearms present a fast-evolving challenge, but this operation shows what's possible when agencies collaborate effectively," he said.

Watson said many people who were involved in 3D-printing guns and gun parts may not even be aware they were breaking the law, and that they were more interested in the technology.

Others may be licensed firearm holders with an interest in the guns.

Watson said a public education campaign was needed to warn such people away from printing or privately manufacturing guns, which is highly illegal, even if the weapon is non-functioning.

He said police wanted to focus on "the real threat" of the guns in the hands of organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gang elements.

And he said there was "no question" so-called sovereign citizens and "doomsday preppers" were making use of the technology.

"The threat is real. The threat is right across Australia," he said.

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