The Northern Territory Police Force and Australian Border Force (ABF) have concluded their involvement in Operation Athena 2026, a national week of action targeting illicit firearms, firearms trafficking, prohibited persons and emerging firearms threats.
Conducted between 19 and 25 October 2026, Operation Athena brought together specialist investigators, frontline police and partner agencies across the Territory to undertake compliance inspections, intelligence-led enforcement activity and targeted firearms investigations.
Throughout the week of action, NT Police and ABF conducted search warrants, compliance inspections and enforcement operations targeting the unlawful possession, manufacture and supply of firearms and firearm components.
Operation Athena 2026 Results
- 5 search warrants executed
- 6 offenders arrested
- 61 charges laid
- 10 Notices to Appear and summonses issued
- 4 infringements issued
- 7 cautions administered
- 118 firearms compliance inspections conducted
- 93 firearms seized
- 15 firearm parts seized
- 7,390 rounds of ammunition seized
- 7 privately manufactured firearms seized
- 18 privately manufactured firearm components seized
One of the most significant results of Operation Athena occurred in Humpty Doo, where Northern Territory Police Force members, supported by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, executed a search of a rural property.
During the search, police located and dismantled an alleged firearms manufacturing operation capable of producing privately manufactured firearms (PMFs), including:
- Seven privately manufactured firearms
- A partially completed SR277 rifle
- A large Bambu 3D printer
- Firearm manufacturing equipment
- Firearm barrels and components
- A large quantity of 3D printed firearm parts
- Digital files and instructional material relating to the manufacture of firearms using 3D printing technology
Police further seized:
- Nine registered firearms
- Numerous prohibited weapons, including knuckle dusters, a conducted energy device, collapsible baton, concealable crossbow, cattle prod and OC spray
- Approximately 80 grams of psilocybin-containing mushrooms packaged for distribution
- Approximately 300 grams of psilocybin-containing gummies
- A mushroom cultivation setup
- Approximately 200 grams of cannabis
- Modafinil tablets
- Fireworks
- Cryptocurrency wallets and associated records
- Gold and silver bullion
The search resulted in multiple offenders being charged with firearms, drug and prohibited weapon offences. Investigations into additional offences remain ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Aaron Chapman from the Illicit Firearms Team said:
“Operation Athena demonstrates the Northern Territory Police Force’s ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit firearms offending and preventing illegal firearms from entering our communities.
The seizure of seven privately manufactured firearms and the dismantling of an alleged firearms manufacturing capability in Humpty Doo highlight the evolving nature of the illicit firearms threat.
These firearms were being produced outside Australia’s firearms regulatory framework and are commonly referred to as “ghost guns” due to their lack of serial numbers and traceability.
The use of 3D printing technology and privately manufactured firearm components presents an evolving challenge for law enforcement across Australia.
The Northern Territory Police Force continues to work closely with Commonwealth and interstate partners to identify, investigate and disrupt individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of these firearms.
The operation also demonstrates the value of partnerships between Northern Territory Police, Australian Border Force and Commonwealth agencies in detecting and disrupting serious firearms offending.
Every illicit firearm removed from the community reduces the risk of those firearms being used in serious criminal activity.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Melissa Nicholson said Operation ATHENA highlighted the importance of tackling the illicit firearms trade at the border and within Australian communities.
“Illicit firearms don’t always arrive in Australia as complete weapons. Illegally imported parts can be combined with locally manufactured and 3D-printed components to produce deadly weapons that are difficult to trace,” A/g Superintendent Nicholson said.
“Our highly trained officers work to detect and intercept illicit firearms and components at the border, while our investigators work closely with NT Police to identify and disrupt those responsible.
“Anyone who thinks they can impot prohibited firearm parts or manufacture illegal weapons behind closed doors without attracting the attention of law enforcement should think again.
“We will continue working alongside NT Police to disrupt this criminal activity and protect communities across the Territory.”
While the national week of action has concluded, investigations arising from information obtained during Operation Athena remain ongoing within the Northern Territory.
Police remind members of the public that firearms can be surrendered safely and lawfully through the Northern Territory firearms amnesty provisions. Anyone in possession of an unregistered, prohibited or otherwise unlawful firearm is encouraged to contact police to arrange safe surrender.
Individuals involved in the manufacture, possession, trafficking or supply of illicit firearms, firearm parts or privately manufactured firearms can expect to face enforcement action and prosecution.
Police urge anyone with information relating to illegal firearms, firearms manufacturing, firearms trafficking or privately manufactured firearms to contact Police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
