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Police taken possession of more than 1,000 guns and gun parts during a sweep targeting the proliferation of illegal firearms in Australia and its neighbor.

International Operation Culminates in Detentions and Confiscations

A seven-day cross-border effort culminated in more than 180 arrests, according to immigration authorities, and the seizure of 281 DIY guns and components, such as items produced using 3D printers.

Regional Discoveries and Detentions

In New South Wales, law enforcement discovered numerous 3D printers alongside semi-automatic handguns, cartridge holders and custom-made holders, along with other gear.

Local authorities reported they detained 45 individuals and took possession of 518 guns and weapon pieces during the operation. Numerous individuals were accused of offences among them the production of banned firearms without a licence, shipping prohibited goods and owning a electronic design for production of guns – an offense in various jurisdictions.

“Such fabricated pieces might appear vibrant, but they are far from playthings. After construction, they are transformed into dangerous tools – totally unlawful and very risky,” an experienced detective said in a release. “That’s why we’re targeting the full supply chain, from fabrication tools to imported parts.

“Citizen protection is the foundation of our firearms licensing system. Gun owners must be registered, firearms are obliged to be registered, and compliance is non-negotiable.”

Growing Phenomenon of Privately Made Guns

Information collected for an inquiry indicates that during the previous five years in excess of 9,000 weapons have been taken illegally, and that in 2025, police executed recoveries of homemade firearms in almost every regional jurisdiction.

Legal documents indicate that the 3D models currently produced domestically, driven by an online community of developers and enthusiasts that advocate for an “complete liberty to own and carry weapons”, are increasingly reliable and dangerous.

Over the past three to four years the trend has been from “very novice, barely operational, practically single-use” to more advanced firearms, authorities stated earlier.

Immigration Discoveries and Digital Transactions

Parts that are difficult to 3D-printed are often acquired from e-commerce sites internationally.

A high-ranking customs agent stated that more than 8,000 illegal guns, components and accessories had been discovered at the frontier in the last financial year.

“Imported firearm parts are often put together with further DIY pieces, producing dangerous and unmarked firearms making their way to our communities,” the officer added.

“Many of these goods are available for purchase by e-commerce sites, which might cause people to mistakenly think they are not controlled on import. A lot of these websites simply place orders from abroad acting as an intermediary with no regard for border rules.”

Further Recoveries Across Multiple Territories

Recoveries of objects among them a bow weapon and flame-thrower were further executed in the southeastern state, Western Australia, Tasmania and the the central territory, where police said they discovered multiple homemade guns, along with a fabrication tool in the distant settlement of the named area.