'Sophisticated' 3D-printed firearm operation dismantled in police crack down

Tasmania Police charge 43-year-old man over 3D-printed firearm operation Wed 3 Jun 2026 at 1:06pm In short: Tasmania Police say it has dismantled a significant operation, which was allegedly producing illegal 3D-printed guns. These types of weapons are banned in all Australian states and territories, but are becoming more common. What's next? A 43-year-old man has been charged over the matter. A "significant" number of illegal guns from entering the community, after an illicit firearms manufacturing operation was uncovered in southern Tasmania, police say. Officers searched a property at Risdon Vale in Hobart's northern suburbs on Monday afternoon, where they found seven 3D printers, 13 firearms, firearm components and ammunition. They also found electronic files containing blueprints and manufacturing instructions for 3D-printed guns. All Australian states and territories have banned 3D guns, but Tasmania is one of only a few jurisdictions that has made it an offence to possess blueprints. Detective Inspector Richard Penney said the investigation uncovered and dismantled a "sophisticated" operation. "The seizure of these items has prevented a significant number of illegal firearms from entering the Tasmanian community," Inspector Penney said. "Removing these firearms and associated manufacturing equipment from circulation significantly reduces the risk they pose to community safety." A 43-year-old man has been charged with firearm-related offences, and his matters are currently before the Hobart Magistrates Court. His charges include firearms possession offences, as well as dealing in firearms when not the holder of a firearms dealer licence, and unlawfully possessing a digital blueprint for the manufacturing of firearms. 3D guns present a 'serious risk', police say The number of 3D-printed guns has been on the rise in Australia over recent years. In Tasmania alone, police have conducted multiple searches that have resulted in the seizure of 3D guns. In January, police seized 12 firearms, which included two 3D-printed guns At the time, Inspector Luke Horne said that while they may appear to look like toys, they can fire projectiles like any other weapon. "These items present a serious risk to our community. We will continue targeting their production and distribution to ensure public safety,"Inspector Horne said. In November last year, two men from southern Tasmania were charged with a range of firearm offences, after police searches in Glenorchy, Risdon Vale and Austins Ferry uncovered two 3D printers, multiple firearm parts, several 3D-printed firearms and silencers. On Monday, a further two homemade firearms and ammunition were seized during a police raid at Waverley, in the state's north. Three men have been charged separately, with two to face court today. The manufacture and possession of 3D-printed firearms has been illegal in Tasmania since 2024.