Northern Territory Police have seized firearms, drugs and prohibited weapons during Firearms Audit and Enforcement (FAE) compliance activities conducted across the Territory throughout May 2026.
During the month, FAE members carried out 11 random inspections of licensed firearms storage facilities and executed 11 targeted search warrants.
As a result, police seized 124 firearms, two unlawfully manufactured firearms, ammunition and a range of prohibited weapons.
Of the 11 compliance inspections conducted, offences were detected in eight cases. Three people were arrested, while five others were issued Notices to Appear. Police also issued five infringement notices for minor offences and suspended or revoked 21 firearms licences.
Many of the offences involved failures to properly secure firearms and ammunition. Police also identified a concerning trend of firearms being stored in a loaded condition.
Several inspections also uncovered evidence of other criminal activity, leading to further police action.
Items seized included:
- Cannabis plants being grown in hydroponic setups
- Traffickable and personal quantities of cannabis
- Methamphetamine
- Drug-related paraphernalia
Offenders will face a range of charges, including:
- Failing to meet firearms storage requirements
- Breaching firearms licence conditions
- Unlawfully altering firearms
- Possessing dangerous drugs
- Cultivating cannabis plants
- Possessing prohibited weapons
Superintendent Ian Kennon said the results highlight the risks associated with firearms non-compliance.
“The majority of offences we are detecting involve firearms licence holders failing to properly secure their firearms and ammunition,” Superintendent Kennon said.
“Unsecured firearms can be stolen and end up in the hands of criminals or children, with potentially tragic consequences.
“We are also increasingly finding firearms stored in a loaded condition. This is extremely dangerous and puts the community at risk.”
Superintendent Kennon said compliance inspections frequently uncover offending beyond firearms-related breaches.
“When police attend properties to conduct inspections, we regularly identify other criminal activity, including drug offences.
“This reinforces the value of the proactive work being undertaken by our members.”
Police will continue both planned and unannounced compliance inspections across the Northern Territory.
“Firearms licence holders must comply with their legal obligations at all times,” Superintendent Kennon said.
“If you fail to meet storage requirements or breach your licence conditions, enforcement action will be taken, including possible court action and the loss of your firearms licence.”
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
