EDITOR'S NOTE: Footage and imagery from across the country is available to download here (NSW), here (AUS/NZ) and here (AUS/NZ images).
A national press conference will be held in NSW this morning.
A transnational targeted crackdown on illicit firearms, including privately manufactured weapons, has resulted in more than 1000 firearms and parts being seized and 184 arrests as part of a week of action involving border, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies across the country.
The National Illicit Firearms Working Group (formerly known as Operation Athena) consists of Federal agencies including the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP), police from jurisdictions across Australia, and NZ Police. This group undertook a week of activity across Australia to target illicit firearms, with a particular focus on privately manufactured firearms and 3D printed parts.
The co-ordinated action occurred between Monday 13 October and Sunday 19 October, with the ABF, law enforcement and intelligence agencies working closely together throughout the week to monitor real-time intelligence and assessments to target potential imports and persons of interest.
During the ABF-led week of action, authorities also seized 281 3D printed firearms, and privately manufactured parts – including a printer which was in the process of manufacturing a firearm part at the time of the warrant.
The increased presence of privately manufactured firearms (PMF) is concerning for authorities, as these items are becoming more sophisticated through technologies such as 3D printing.
The transnational operation has led to:
- 184 arrests;
- 854 charges laid;
- 719 whole firearms seized;
- 489 firearm parts seized;
- 64 imitation firearms/gel blasters seized;
- 281 3D/privately manufactured firearms and/or parts seized;
- 215 search warrants executed;
- 21 Firearm Prohibition Orders issued;
- 35 firearms licences suspended/cancelled;
- 38 warnings and/or infringement notices issued; and
- 2542 compliance visits and safe storage inspections completed.
Additional items were seized during the activity, including more than $250,000 cash, 3D printers, other weapons, prohibited drugs, and other drug paraphernalia.
ABF Commander Graeme Campbell said ABF officers across the country are skilled in targeting suspect consignments, detecting firearms and removing these dangerous items from circulation.
“The importation of firearms and firearm parts is of concern to law enforcement across the country, as the dangers of these weapons falling into the wrong hands is extremely concerning," Commander Campbell said.
“Imported firearm parts can be constructed with other privately manufactured parts, creating dangerous and untraceable weapons filtering onto our streets.
“Alongside our Federal, State, Territory, and trans-Tasman law enforcement partners, the ABF will continue to utilise our sophisticated intelligence-led approach to target those who attempt to import firearms, parts or accessories into Australia without a proper permit.
“We work closely with our partner agencies to disrupt criminals seeking to obtain illegal firearms and firearm parts which can potentially harm the Australian community.
“Many of these are items are being sold by online retailers, which may lead people to wrongly believe they are not controlled on import. Many of these websites simply place orders from overseas on the buyer's behalf without any considerations for import regulations.
“I wish to commend all our partner agencies on a successful and disruptive week."
National chair of the Illicit Firearms Working Group, Detective Superintendent John Watson from NSW Police Force's Drug and Firearms Squad, said every illicit firearm we remove is one less threat to the safety of our communities.
“Criminals are innovating, and so are we. The rise of 3D-printed weapons demands a new kind of policing, one that blends traditional enforcement with cutting-edge forensic and digital capabilities," Det Supt Watson said.
“Privately manufactured firearms pose a unique and evolving challenge to law enforcement, but this operation is a textbook example of what can be achieved when agencies work together.
“By combining intelligence, resources and expertise, we've not only disrupted the offending, but we've sending a clear message to those who think they can operate in the shadows.
“These operations aren't just about seizing parts and printers. They're about public safety and responsible gun ownership so the more privately made firearms we seize, we're making our streets safer.
“These results aren't just statistics – they represent lives potentially saved and harm prevented."
A number of operations were carried out during the week of action. They included:
- On Monday 13 October 2025, officers from NSW Police, assisted by ABF Investigations NSW, executed a search warrant in Hinchinbrook where they located a 3D printer in operation allegedly attempting to print a firearm part, as well as numerous other firearm parts, electronics and cryptocurrency wallets. A 41-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with Manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, possess digital blueprint for manufacture of firearms, and firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order. He was refused bail and appeared in Liverpool Local Court the same day.
- On Tuesday 14 October 2025, NSW Police and ABF Investigations NSW officers executed a search warrant in Belfield where they located an imitation glock pistol, two silver BB handguns, an imitation revolver, a folding firearm, a privately made firearm, seven slingshots, five extendable batons, a can of OC spray, three firearm suppressors, over 3700 rounds of ammunition and 7 grams of cannabis. Ten rifles registered to the man were also found at a property in Strathfield, where they were not properly secured. A 47-year-old man was arrested and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with six counts possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, four counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, not notify of arrangements for safe keeping of firearms, holder of Category A or B licence not have approved storage, acquire firearm part without authority to do so, and intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval. He was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
- On Tuesday 14 October 2025, NSW Police officers, with assistance of ABF NSW, executed a search warrant in Adelong where they located and seized two imitation pistols, four privately made firearms, and a significant amount of equipment used to make firearms. A 21-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Tumut Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possess unauthorised pistol, manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, and three counts of intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval. He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 5 the next day.
- On Monday 13 October, detectives from the Victoria Police Illicit Firearms Squad and ABF Investigations VIC/TAS officers executed a warrant at business premises in Cobden. Two handguns (a revolver handgun in pieces and a folding single shot handgun), nine partial revolvers, three longarm firearms (two rifles and a small gauge shotgun), longarm firearm barrels and stocks, a quantity of loose miscellaneous handgun parts, various ammunition, handgun schematic prints and a conducted energy device (Taser) were seized from the property. A 62-year-old Cobden man was charged with possess trafficable quantity firearms, three counts of possess Category A longarm, two counts of possess General Category handgun, possess ammunition and possess prohibited weapon. He was bailed to appear at Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on 8 December 2025.
- Officers from NTPOL and ABF Investigations NT executed a search warrant in the remote community of Nhulunbuy targeting the manufacture and possession of prohibited firearms. During the search, several privately manufactured firearms were located, along with gel blasters and associated manufacturing equipment, including a 3D printer. A male resident was issued with a notice to appear for manufacturing a prohibited firearm/pistol, and possessing/carrying a prohibited weapon. ABF officers also issued a $4,950 infringement notice relating to the importation of firearms parts, namely firearm barrels contrary to s233(1)(b) of the Customs Act 1901.
- On Tuesday 14 October, ABF Regional Investigations WA and WA Police Force detectives from Kalgoorlie executed warrants at a residential premises in Somerville. During the search, a significant amount of weaponry – including knives, a crossbow, a flame thrower, and a spear – was located, alongside improvised firearms, explosive materials and drugs. A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with several firearms and weapon possession offences, possess an edged weapon, and make/possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances. The man appeared at Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court where he was granted bail. Investigations continue.
- In Tasmania, multiple searches were conducted statewide and included in the illegal firearms identified were a number of gel blasters, seized at separate locations. In one search, a joint operation between Australian Border Force and Tasmania Police in the greater Hobart area resulted in 13 charges against a male resident. Firearms, firearms parts, and gel blasters were seized from the property.
- ACT Policing, with assistance from AFP Specialist Operations, executed a search warrant on a home in Northern Canberra. During the warrant police seized an airsoft revolver, a homemade crossbow, prohibited knives, a taser and ammunition. No arrests were made, however enquiries are ongoing.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
