A Katoomba man appeared before the NSW Bail Division Courts today (31 July, 2026) charged with allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition, as well as plans for manufacturing firearms.
An investigation began after the AFP received a report from Australian Border Force (ABF) regarding a NSW-based individual potentially manufacturing firearms.
AFP inquiries led police to the man, 49, and it will be alleged he imported items consistent with manufacturing firearms over a two-year period.
A search warrant was executed in Katoomba, NSW, on 30 July, 2026, with officers seizing firearm parts, imitation firearms, live ammunition and electronic devices containing digital blueprints for manufacturing firearms and firearm parts.
The man was charged with:
- One count of possess firearms manufacture material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45H of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment;
- One count of possess unauthorised firearm, contrary to section 7A (1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of possess ammunition for a firearm, without holding a licence or permit for a firearm, contrary to section 65(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $5,500 fine.
He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Katoomba Local Court on 3 August, 2026.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said manufacturing illegal firearms for personal use was a concern for law enforcement.
“The alleged manufacture of unregistered firearms is a serious offence that has the potential to place dangerous weapons into the hands of criminals,” Det a/Insp Robinson said.
“Every illicit firearm in the community represents a threat to public safety, regardless of whether it is manufactured domestically or sourced through criminal networks.
“Our priority is keeping Australians safe, which is why we relentlessly work with our law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt endeavours that present a genuine threat of becoming a weapons supply line to organised crime.”
ABF Inspector Daniel Beraldo praised the actions of ABF officers and the AFP in preventing the importation and manufacture of illicit firearms.
“Through intelligence-led targeting and the efforts of our highly skilled officers, the ABF continues to identify and intercept firearm parts, disrupting the manufacture of illicit firearms and preventing harm to the Australian community,” Insp Beraldo said.
“Close collaboration with our law enforcement partners enables a coordinated approach to disrupting the domestic manufacture of dangerous firearms.”
