A raft of illegally manufactured firearms, ammunition and drugs were among a haul seized by police at a Croydon property, alongside the arrest of a man, last week.
Illicit Firearms Squad detectives executed a warrant at a residential address on Tuesday 3 June after an initial investigation in partnership with the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The warrant led to the locating and subsequent seizing of eight 3D printed handguns, one privately made metal handgun, several gel blasters and imitation firearms, approximately 40 rounds of ammunition, a large quantity of various firearm parts and accessories including suppressors, five 3D printers, a quantity of methylamphetamine and two conducted electricity devices (tasers).
A 38-year-old Croydon man was arrested on site and charged with a number of offences including the manufacturing of a handgun without a licence, the possession of firearm manufacturing equipment, possessing ammunition and trafficking methylamphetamine.
Detective Senior Sergeant Amanda Cohen said the Illicit Firearms Squad had been monitoring the use of 3D printed firearms, alongside state and federal partners, for a number of years.
“As police, we are constantly evolving to combat new and emerging trends used by criminals,” she said.
“It is illegal to manufacture firearms without a licence, and that includes 3D printed guns.”
Despite the 3D printed nature of the firearms, Det Senior Sgt Cohen said there were “incredibly serious repercussions” associated with the illegal manufacturing of weapons.
Det Senior Sgt Cohen said there was a range of legislation that police use in relation to 3D printed guns, digital plans and other firearm related items.
“In the eyes of law enforcement, a functioning 3D printed firearm and its potential to cause harm to the community is no different than a traditional gun, and those caught manufacturing any face up to ten years imprisonment.”
The Croydon man was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
The Illicit Firearms Squad is based within Victoria Police’s Crime Command and targets the manufacturing, trafficking and use of illicit firearms across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
