Editor’s
note: Arrest
footage and images can be downloaded here and here.
A Western Sydney man has been charged with firearms offences following an Australian Border Force (ABF) investigation into the alleged importation of illegal firearm parts.
Investigations began in March 2026, after ABF officers in NSW detected and seized two firearm barrels in an air cargo consignment.
Following the seizure and extensive investigations, ABF investigators – with assistance from NSW Police, Drug and Firearms Squad executed a search warrant at a residential premise in Kemps Creek on Thursday 11 June 2026, where a 35-year-old man was arrested.
During the search, several items were located including:
Three (3) Privately Manufactured Firearms;
One (1) rifling button; and
Electronic devices.
Additional prohibited weapons were located and seized by NSW Police including concealable blades, a butterfly knife, flick knives, knuckle dusters, OC Spray, a single-shot pistol and spent cartridge shell casings. These will undergo further examination.
The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was formally charged and refused bail, to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 6 August 2026.
The man was charged the following offences:
Two (2) counts of intentionally importing tier 2 goods without approval contrary to s233BAB(5) Customs Act 1901 (Cth);
One (1) count of acquiring a firearm part subject to a firearms prohibition order contrary to s74(2) Firearms Act 1996 (NSW); and
One (1) count of possess prohibited drug contrary to s10(1) Drug Misuse & Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).
ABF Commander Graeme Campbell said the detection and disruption of firearms and firearm parts at the Australian border remains a critical measure in safeguarding the community.
“Every detection at the border is essential, with highly skilled ABF investigators working to identify those responsible and stop these weapons before they can do harm,” Commander Campbell said.
“Imported firearm parts can be assembled into highly dangerous, untraceable weapons which can make their way into the community,”.
“Together with our law enforcement partners, the ABF will continue to drive intelligence-led efforts, targeting those seeking to import illicit firearms and firearm parts.”
NSWPF Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson said the operation demonstrates the strength of our partnership with the ABF.
“When illicit items are detected at the border, our investigators move quickly to identify those responsible and prevent further offending,” Det Supt Watson said.
“Unregistered and privately made firearms are dangerous, unpredictable, and often used by individuals seeking to avoid police detection.
“The community expects us to take a firm stance against the manufacture and possession of illegal firearms, and that is exactly what we will continue to do.”
