Police have dismantled an underground gun-manufacturing operation in Blackheath, located in the Blue Mountains, seizing over 100 parts for firearms produced via 3D printing. The raid, which occurred yesterday morning, led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man, who now faces multiple firearms-related charges. He is scheduled to appear in Penrith Local Court.
During the operation, authorities discovered a variety of firearm components, including receivers, magazines, and triggers. The police indicated that the items seized comprised not only firearm parts but also an assembled 3D-printed gun, a longarm, imported steel barrels, and several tools used in firearm assembly.
Additionally, detectives uncovered a hard drive containing an estimated 500 digital blueprints for producing firearms with a 3D printer. The man is charged with several serious offences: manufacturing firearms without the necessary licensing, creating a pistol without a license, possessing digital plans for firearm production, and importing illegal firearms components.
This investigation forms part of Strike Force Temarang, which was initiated in September 2021 to scrutinise the importation and production of 3D-printed firearms and related components in New South Wales. The operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the rise of unregulated firearms manufacturing, particularly through new technologies like 3D printing.