CANBERRA, ACT, July 31 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
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A Katoomba manappeared before theNSW Bail Division Courtstoday (31July,2026)chargedwithallegedlypossessingfirearmsand ammunition, as well as plans for manufacturing firearms.
An investigation began after the AFP received a report from Australian Border Force (ABF)regardingaNSW-based individual potentially manufacturing firearms.
AFP inquiriesled police to the man,49,anditwill be allegedheimported items consistent with manufacturing firearms over a two-year period.
A search warrant was executed in Katoomba, NSW, on 30July,2026, with officers seizingfirearm parts, imitation firearms, live ammunition and electronic devicescontainingdigital blueprints for manufacturing firearms and firearm parts.
The man was charged with:
* One count ofpossessfirearms manufacture material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45H of theCriminal Code(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment; * One count ofpossessunauthorisedfirearm, contrary to section 7A (1) of theFirearms Act 1996(NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment; and * One count ofpossessammunition for a firearm, without holding a licence or permit for a firearm, contrary to section65(1)of theFirearms Act 1996(NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence isa $5,500 fine.
He was refused bailand is scheduled to appearbefore Katoomba Local Court on 3August,2026.
AFP Detective ActingInspector Trevor Robinson saidmanufacturing illegalfirearmsfor personaluse was aconcern 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 Robinsonsaid.
"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 relentlesslywork withourlaw enforcement partners to identify and disrupt endeavours that present agenuine threatof 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."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
