A 37-year-old man from Mudgee in the NSW Central West has been arrested and charged with a range of firearms-related offences after a joint Australian Border Force (ABF) NSW Police investigation uncovered an alleged illegal firearm manufacturing set up.
After 24 illegal firearm silencers were intercepted at the border, ABF investigators executed Customs Act 1901 search warrants at a business and two residential premises in Mudgee.
Upon entry, officers located a concealed 3D printer, printed semi-automatic firearm parts and unsecured ammunition.
ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst said ABF officers will stop at no lengths to prevent these items from causing harm to the Australian community.
“ABF officers within our air cargo, mail gateway and detector dog units are trained to identify and locate illicit firearm importations before they reach the hands of criminal syndicates,” Commander Bathurst said.
“We have zero tolerance for those attempting to circumvent border controls, be that a city suburb or regional location within Australia.”
NSW Police arrested the man and charged him for possession of a firearm, firearm parts and accessories, possession of 3D blueprints for the purpose of manufacturing firearm parts, possession of ammunition and manufacturing firearm parts without a licence.
Orana Mid Western Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, said this investigation is another example of the importance of law enforcement agencies working together.
“NSW Police will continue to work collaboratively with all agencies to detect and disrupt crime to keep the community safe,” Detective Inspector Antaw said.
ABF expects to lay charges for the attempted importation of 24 silencers and additional prohibited imports intercepted at the border.
The man was refused bail and will face court on 6 September 2022.
If you see anything suspicious within your local community, report it anytime through Border Watch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch. Reports can be made anonymously.
