ACT, NSW: Police make arrests in Monaro Police District after alleged gun ring raids

Police say an arsenal of 3D printed guns found in a raid along with drugs and cash on the NSW/ACT border were “destined for the hands of organised crime networks”.

Police say an arsenal of 3D printed guns found in a raid along with drugs and cash on the NSW/ACT border were “destined for the hands of organised crime networks”.

NSW Police on Tuesday made multiple arrests as part of an alleged illegal firearm manufacturing ring and seized a large quantity of drugs, cash and 3D printed guns – including a hot pink handgun.

The arrestsand more than 50 charges come after police established Strike Force Calpe in October 2024, in a bid to investigate the supply of privately manufactured firearms and firearm parts in the Monaro Police District.

Following extensive inquiries, Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from Southern Operations Support Group, State Crime Command Raptor Squad and Monaro Police District executed four search warrants in Queanbeyan, Gundaroo and Nanima about 6.45am, Tuesday.

The search uncovered ties to an alleged major gun manufacturing ring, with officers allegedly discovering and seizing multiple 3D printedguns, more than $100,000 in cash and a large quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine.

As a result, four individuals have been charged with more than 50 offences on Tuesday morning, including a 60-year-old man charged with five counts of unauthorised supply of pistol and unlawfully sell firearm parts, a 31-year-old man charged with eight counts of acquire prohibited firearm part and two counts of unauthorised supply of firearm part and possess unregistered firearms.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man charged with unlawfully sell firearm parts, supply ammunition, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, while a 34-year-old man charged with supply commercial quantity of prohibited drug, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, possess unauthorised pistol, and possess ammunition without holding licence.

All men were refused bail to appear in court.

Police are alleging the accused formulate part of a wider illegal firearm manufacturing ring across southern NSW and the ACT.

Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the alleged discovery arose following a “lengthy investigation”.

“We know in the wrong hands firearms can have a devastating and deadly impact on communities,” he said.

“With assistance from ACT Police, we have taken a significant number of illegal firearms off the streets.”

He said police believed the 3D printed weapons were “destined for the hands of organised crime networks”.

“I want to warn anyone in the production of firearms - it is a serious offence and it is very unsafe,” Mr Beattie said.

While pleas are yet to be entered by the accused individuals, Mr Beattie revealed additional charges were likely.

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