Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad yesterday arrested two people and seized two 3D printers as part of an investigation into firearms manufacturing in Melbourne.
Warrants were executed by police at three residential properties in Doncaster, Heidelberg Heights and Viewbank on 12 August.
During the search of the Doncaster address, police located a number of items used in the manufacture of 3D printed firearms.
This included two 3D printers, various 3D printed firearm parts, 3D printer filament, other metal parts used to privately manufacture firearms and a laptop containing files relating to firearms manufacture.
Three flick knives were seized from the Viewbank address.
A 36-year-old Doncaster woman and a 51-year-old Viewbank man were subsequently arrested and interviewed by police.
The woman was charged with possess equipment for manufacturing a firearm and bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on 1 October.
The man was released pending further enquiries and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, Illicit Firearms Squad:
"Over the past few years we have continued to see people willing to take risks in relation to privately manufacturing firearms, and it's something the Illicit Firearms Squad continues to monitor.
"If there is any perception that this is not as serious as other firearms offending or that there are fewer risks associated with the 3D manufacture of weapons, then I can assure you that you are completely wrong.
"The consequences of using these privately manufactured firearms can be fatal and the penalties are also severe. Those caught can face up to 10 years imprisonment for the manufacture of a firearm with a license.
"The Illicit Firearms Squad works closely with a range of other enforcement agencies at a state and federal level, to act on any intelligence we received about the manufacture and trafficking of firearms in Victoria."
