NSW Police have arrested 45 people and seized 518 firearms and firearm parts during a week of action targeting illicit firearms.
Formerly known as Operation Athena, the National Illicit Firearms Working Group – consisting of police from jurisdictions across Australia, Federal agencies, and NZ Police – co-ordinated a transnational week of action between Monday 13 October and Sunday 19 October 2025.
The statewide component of the operation was led by State Crime Command's Drug & Firearms Squad, with assistance from hundreds of police and specialist officers across the state. This resulted in the execution of 20 warrants, the arrest of 45 people, the laying of 206 charges, the issuance of 15 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), the completion of 91 FPO compliance checks, and 1,628 safe storage inspections.
In total, NSW Police located and seized 270 firearms, 89 firearm parts, 19 imitation firearms, 10 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearms, and 130 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearm parts.
Incidents of note in NSW include:
- Just before 7am on Monday 13 October 2025, officers executed a search warrant in Hinchinbrook where they located a 3D printer in operation allegedly attempting to print a firearm part, as well as numerous other firearm parts, electronics and cryptocurrency wallets. A 41-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, possess digital blueprint for manufacture of firearms, and firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order. He was refused bail and appeared in Liverpool Local Court the same day.
- About 6.15am on Tuesday 14 October 2025, officers executed a search warrant in Gosford. At the address, police seized 24 items including a 3D printer, three manufactured glock-style pistols, magazines, 3D printed holsters, an imitation revolver, and electronics relevant to their investigation. A 52-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with 14 offences including two counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess >3 unregistered firearms, 1 is prohibited/pistol, two counts of manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, two counts of manufacture firearm without licence/permit, three counts of not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm and not keep firearm safely-pistol. He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 6 the same day.
- Just before 7.10am on Tuesday 14 October 2025, officers executed a search warrant in Adelong where they located and seized two imitation pistols, four privately made firearms, and a significant amount of equipment used to make firearms. A 21-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Tumut Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possess unauthorised pistol, manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, and three counts of intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval. He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 5 the next day.
- About 10.45am on Tuesday 14 October 2025, officers executed a search warrant in Kotara where they located and seized two rifles, three revolvers, one automatic pistol, 1000 rounds of ammunition and a number of both privately and commercial made firearm parts. A 35-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Newcastle City Police Station where he was charged with four counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, possess instructions for manufacture etc of prohibited drug, possess >3 unregistered firearms, 1 is prohibited/pistol, not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm and not keep firearm safely-pistol. He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 2 on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
- At 8.30am on Tuesday 14 October 2025, officers executed a search warrant in Belfield where they located an imitation glock pistol, two silver BB handguns, an imitation revolver, a folding firearm, a privately made firearm, seven slingshots, five extendable batons, a can of OC spray, three firearm suppressors, over 3700 rounds of ammunition and 7 grams of cannabis. Ten rifles registered to the man were also found at a property in Strathfield, where they were not properly secured. A 47-year-old man was arrested and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with six counts possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, four counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, not notify of arrangements for safe keeping of firearms, holder of Category A or B licence not have approved storage, acquire firearm part without authority to do so, and intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval. He was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Commander of State Crime Command's Drug & Firearms Squad and National Chair of the Illicit Firearms Working Group, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said criminals are innovating, but so are police.
"Privately manufactured firearms present a fast-evolving challenge, but this operation shows what's possible when agencies collaborate effectively.
"These 3D printed components may look colourful, but they are not toys. Once assembled, they become lethal weapons – entirely illicit and extremely dangerous. That's why we're targeting the full supply chain, from printers to imported parts.
"By combining intelligence, resources and expertise, we've not only disrupted criminal activity, we've sent a clear message to those who think they can operate in the shadows: we will find you," Det Supt Watson said.
"This isn't just about seizures. It's about safeguarding communities and reinforcing the principles of responsible gun ownership. Every illicit firearm we remove is one less threat to public safety. These aren't just statistics, they represent lives protected and harm prevented.
"Public safety sits at the core of our firearms licensing system. Shooters must be licensed, firearms must be registered, and compliance is non-negotiable. That's why NSWPF places such high importance on inspections and enforcement.
"It is illegal to manufacture your own firearm or print firearm parts. These practices are unsafe, unlawful, and they erode the integrity of our licensing framework; we will continue to act decisively to stop them."
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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