A significant police operation on the south coast of New South Wales has led to the arrest of a 45-year-old former law enforcement officer, with authorities uncovering an alleged gun manufacturing ring. The individual was apprehended in Shellharbour, where police seized two privately made machine guns, ammunition, balaclavas, and cable ties. A subsequent search of his residence revealed additional firearms, including four loaded revolvers, three ballistic vests, a 3D printer, and various firearm components—spanning slides, barrels, triggers, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis commented on the sophistication of the operation, asserting that the evidence indicates preparations to manufacture and distribute firearms across New South Wales and potentially further afield. He remarked that the quality of the firearms produced was exceptional, highlighting a blend of locally manufactured and imported components.
The arrested man was charged with 20 offences, such as directing a criminal group and firearm-related charges. He was denied bail and is set to appear in Wollongong Local Court. In a parallel action, authorities executed a search warrant in Farmborough Heights, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old boy who is reportedly closely related to the former officer. The teen faces 16 charges, including participating in a criminal gang and supplying firearms. Both individuals’ alleged actions have been met with condemnation from police.
Koutsoufis expressed disbelief at the former officer’s descent into criminal activity, emphasising that his conduct is contrary to the values expected of law enforcement. Importantly, it was confirmed that the man had never served as a police officer in New South Wales.
In a related arrest, a 43-year-old man was captured in Burleigh Beach, Queensland, and is anticipated to be extradited to NSW. Police assert that these arrests enhance the safety of NSW streets, as the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying dangerous firearms to criminal elements, including automatic machine guns. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating such threats from the community.