South Australia Police (SAPOL) has delivered outstanding results during a national Week of Action targeting illicit firearms, reinforcing its commitment to community safety and sending a clear message to those who seek to break the law.
The Week of Action, coordinated by the Australian Border Force (ABF), ran from 13 to 19 October 2025 and involved law enforcement agencies across the country. SAPOL's Firearms Branch led the state's response, working closely with Metropolitan Operations Service, State Operations Service, and Crime Service areas to deliver a coordinated and effective operation.
In preparation, SAPOL prioritised five referrals relating to the importation, manufacture, and trafficking of 3D-printed and privately made firearms. Throughout the operation, searches and compliance activities were executed across all districts, including Yorke Mid-North and Hills Fleurieu regions, and intelligence-led targeting of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members resulted in numerous Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) checks.
The results were significant: six arrests, eight reports, 28 firearms searches, 78 firearms seized, 35 audits of licensed firearms holders' premises, 15 FPO compliance searches, two expiations, and four drug diversions.
On 13 October, police searched a Modbury address where they located a firearm, trafficable quantities of methamphetamine, fantasy, and assorted drug paraphernalia. Investigations into this seizure are ongoing. 263344
Also on 13 October, two boys aged 14 and 15 were arrested at their Brighton home for aggravated assault and prescribed firearm offences after threatening to shoot up the house of the reporting persons. Police seized one long arm and one gel blaster pistol (both Category A firearms), assorted parts and ammunition, edged weapons, drug paraphernalia, and 15 cannabis plants. 263139/CO2500043426
On 14 October, Victor Harbor CIB and Serious Firearm Criminal Investigation Section (SFCIS) searched a Mt Compass property following reports of multiple illegal firearms. Police seized three gel blasters one taser, and two crossbows. A 64-year-old man was reported for firearms and weapons offences and will appear in court at a later date. 264754
On 16 October, SFCIS arrested a 47-year-old man in Wallaroo for serious firearms offences, including manufacturing a firearm, following an ABF referral. Police located a homemade gas/air-operated firearm and a dismantled pistol. The man has been bailed to appear in the Kadina Magistrates Court on 15 December. 266650
On 19 October, police conducted an FPO compliance search at a Renown Park address. A 47-year-old man was arrested after officers located two loaded handguns concealed behind the glovebox of his car. The firearms were traced to thefts in South Australia and Victoria. The man was refused bail and remains in custody, and is next due to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 18 December 269858/CO2500043794
In addition to these seizures, SAPOL is reviewing nine firearms licensees to ascertain their suitability to be a fit and proper to hold a licence and store firearms in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Security, Storage and Transport of Firearms, Ammunition and Related Items.
Assistant Commissioner Narelle Kameniar, Assistant Commissioner of Operations Support Service, said: "These results send a strong message to anyone considering breaking the law when it comes to firearms. SAPOL will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt the illegal possession, manufacture, and trafficking of firearms in our community."
She reassured the public, adding: "The community can be reassured that SAPOL takes a firm stance against this type of offending. Our proactive efforts during the Week of Action demonstrate our commitment to making South Australia a safer place for everyone."
