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Police have seized more than 1,000 weapons and gun parts as part of a sweep targeting the spread of illegal weapons in the nation and New Zealand.

International Operation Culminates in Detentions and Confiscations

The week-long international operation resulted in in excess of 180 arrests, based on statements from immigration authorities, and the confiscation of 281 DIY weapons and components, among them items made by three-dimensional printers.

Regional Finds and Arrests

Within NSW, police located several 3D printers together with semi-automatic handguns, cartridge holders and custom-made holders, in addition to various pieces.

Regional law enforcement stated they detained 45 individuals and seized 518 guns and firearm parts in the course of the initiative. Multiple suspects were charged with crimes including the production of prohibited weapons unlicensed, importing banned items and owning a digital blueprint for creation of firearms – a crime in some states.

“These 3D printed components could seem bright, but they are serious items. When put together, they are transformed into deadly arms – completely illegal and highly hazardous,” a senior police official said in a statement. “For this purpose we’re targeting the entire network, from printers to foreign pieces.

“Public safety forms the basis of our weapon control program. Shooters must be licensed, weapons have to be recorded, and conformity is absolute.”

Increasing Issue of Privately Made Firearms

Information gathered for an inquiry shows that during the previous five years over 9,000 guns have been taken illegally, and that currently, authorities conducted confiscations of homemade weapons in almost every regional jurisdiction.

Judicial files show that the computer blueprints currently produced within the country, powered by an internet group of creators and enthusiasts that advocate for an “unlimited right to possess firearms”, are increasingly reliable and deadly.

During the last three to four years the pattern has been from “extremely amateur, very low-powered, nearly disposable” to more advanced guns, law enforcement said previously.

Customs Seizures and Online Sales

Parts that are difficult to additively manufactured are commonly purchased from e-commerce sites internationally.

A senior customs agent stated that more than 8,000 illicit firearms, parts and attachments had been found at the border in the last financial year.

“Imported weapon pieces can be constructed with other privately manufactured components, producing dangerous and unregistered guns making their way to our neighborhoods,” the official added.

“Many of these products are offered by digital stores, which could result in individuals to incorrectly assume they are permitted on shipment. Numerous of these services just process purchases from abroad for the customer without any considerations for border rules.”

Further Recoveries Throughout Various Territories

Seizures of objects among them a projectile launcher and incendiary device were further executed in the state of Victoria, Western Australia, the southern isle and the the NT, where law enforcement said they discovered several privately manufactured weapons, as well as a fabrication tool in the isolated community of a specific location.