Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged a man after a cache of homemade firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, weapons and drugs were seized in Croydon last week.
The investigation commenced in partnership with Australian Border Force (ABF) and led to a search warrant being executed at a residential address in Croydon on the morning of Tuesday 3, June.
A search warrant was executed at a residential address in Croydon on the morning of Tuesday 3, June.
Detectives seized 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 subsequently charged with a range of offences, including:
• Manufacture general category handgun without a licence,
• Possess firearm parts for manufacture firearm,
• Possess equipment to manufacture firearm,
• Prohibited person possess a firearm,
• Possess silencers,
• Possess ammunition without licence,
• Prohibited person possess imitation firearm,
• Traffick Methylamphetamine, and
• Possess prohibited weapons.
The man was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 12 June.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Amanda Cohen, Illicit Firearms Squad:
"As police, we are constantly evolving to combat new and emerging trends used by criminals. Alongside our state and federal partners, we have been monitoring the issue of 3D printed firearms for a number of years and there are incredibly serious repercussions associated with this kind of activity.
"There's a range of legislation that police use in relation to 3D printed guns, digital plans and other firearm related items. It is illegal to manufacture firearms without a licence, and that includes 3D printed guns.
"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 Illicit Firearms Squad is based within Victoria Police's Crime Command and targets the manufacture, 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
