Drug & Firearm Squad detectives have charged a man following the discovery of a clandestine firearm manufacturing bolthole in the Blue Mountains.
Strike Force Temarang was established by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad into the importation and manufacture of 3D printed firearms and firearm parts, 3D computer aided designed software, and other privately manufactured firearms.
About 8.35am on Wednesday, strike force detectives – with assistance from North West Metropolitan Operational Support Group – executed a search warrant in Blackheath.
During a search of the home, police located in excess of 100 various 3D printed firearm parts consisting of receivers, slides, magazines and triggers.
Police also seized two completed firearms – a pistol and longarm, seven imported firearm steel barrels, a box of springs, clips and screws used to complete firearms, and a hard drive with approximately 500 blueprints for the 3D printer to print firearms.
The occupant of the home, a 29-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Katoomba Police Station, where he was charged with manufacture firearm without licence/permit, manufacture pistol without licence/permit, possess digital blueprint for manufacture of firearms and intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods.
He was refused bail and appeared in Penrith Local Court yesterday.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.