In September 2021, Strike Force Temarang was formed to investigate the importation and manufacture of 3D-printed firearms, firearm parts and other improvised firearms into NSW.
Strike force detectives served a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) on a man as he left his house in Cambridge Avenue, Bankstown, last Thursday morning and during a search of the house, allegedly located an unfinished semi-automatic firearm, three 3D printers and spools of 3D printer wire. They also allegedly seized more than 200 rounds of live ammunition and a black Ruger .22 calibre rifle with scope.
Books and computers believed to contain instructions for firearms manufacture, plastic firearm parts, a Glock-style gel blaster, an M16 style semi-automatic gel blaster, a replica revolver, cannabis, and a large quantity of fireworks, were also seized. A pistol and ammunition were also allegedly located in the garage.
A short time later, a search warrant was executed at a factory on Canterbury Road, Punchbowl, where officers allegedly found a 3D-printed, semi-automatic rifle, boxes of ammunition, 11 unfinished firearm barrels, firearm parts including silencers, scopes, and lathes, hydraulic presses and other tools used in the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms.
The 45-year-old man was charged with three counts possess unauthorised pistol, two counts possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, two counts intentionally import prohibited tier-2 goods, possess unauthorised firearm, possess prohibited drug, possess unregistered firearm – not pistol/prohibited firearm, and manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit.
Investigations are continuing.
