A man has been accused of using a 3D printer to illegally manufacture firearms and prohibited weapons, including knuckle dusters emblazoned with the word "DEATH" and a skull.
On Thursday, August 6, police searched the home of a Taylor man and found 3D-printed handguns and handgun parts.
Police also located prohibited weapons including about 30 3D-printed knuckle dusters, 12 tasers, seven pepper spray cans, a stun gun, drugs alleged to be steroids and about 100 packets of illicit imported tobacco cigarettes.
During the search officers located weapons packaged in shipping bags, which police allege indicates the items were being prepared for sale and distribution.
The items were seized by police along with a 3D printer and computer which will undergo forensic examination.
The 35-year-old man was arrested and was set to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday, August 8, charged with unauthorised manufacture of a firearm and possess/use a prohibited weapon without authorisation.
Police are conducting further inquires and further charges are expected to be laid in relation to this investigation.
ACT Policing reminds the community that the manufacture of firearms or firearm parts using 3D printers or any other equipment is illegal. All items used to create a firearm are also subject to criminal asset confiscation including printers, machines, phones, and computers.
Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye said the seizure highlighted the serious risk illegal firearms and prohibited weapons pose to the community.
"Weapons such as these are incredibly dangerous, particularly when they are traded or sold to people who may use them to commit violent crimes," he said.
"Removing these items from circulation helps protect the community and prevents them from being used to cause serious harm."
Police are asking anyone with information on the illegal manufacture of firearms or firearm parts to contact Crime Stoppers.
