Some of the weapons that were seized during a search of the NSW property. Photo: ABF
Illegal, home-made guns are posing a big safety risk to the public, police and border authorities say.
Their warning comes after a man was refused bail over the discovery of 80 pistols, shotguns, rifles and revolvers at Murringo, NSW, last week.
Australian Border Force Investigations NSW Superintendent Brett Totten says illegally imported parts and manufacturing are producing illegal guns.
“Privately manufactured firearms pose a significant risk to the Australian community, being constructed from illegally imported parts and improvised backyard materials,” Supt Totten said.
“… imported items of concern are targeted and intercepted to ensure homemade weapons cannot be manufactured and circulated within the community,” he says.
“Collaboration with our partner law enforcement agencies enables a multi-pronged disruption approach in preventing the domestic manufacture of dangerous and illicit firearms.”
NSW Police Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said the man’s arrest is a great example of NSW Police and the Australian Border Force working together to take illegal firearms off the streets.
“Firearms in the possession of people who don’t hold a firearms license can be dangerous and have the potential to cause serious harm,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
“NSW Police and our partner law enforcement agencies are committed to taking these homemade and illicit weapons off our streets.
“This arrest sends a clear warning to those involved in the illicit manufacturing of weapons that they will be caught and brought before the courts.”
Some of the weapons that were seized during a search of the NSW property. Photo: ABF
ARREST
The Murringo man will remain behind bars until next month, charged over the possession and importation of firearm parts into Australia for the private manufacture of firearms.
ABF officers began to investigate the 54-year-old man in August. They then notified NSW Police and a joint investigation began, the ABF says.
On Tuesday, October 29, ABF and Monaro police searched a rural property in Murringo, NSW and found about 80 firearms were seized – including various types of pistols, shotguns, rifles, and revolvers.
Officers also seized documents allegedly detailing manufacturing instructions, several replica firearms, other weapons like a cross bow and an electronic control device, and a police uniform as well.
The 54-year-old man was taken to Young Police Station and charged with three counts under the Customs Act.
He was also charged with eight state firearms-related offences. When he appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday, October 30, he was refused bail to appear before Tumut Local Court on Wednesday, November 13.
