A solicitor has been charged with 16 offenses following an investigation into the alleged manufacture of 3D-printed firearms in Moree, a country town in New South Wales, Australia.
Strike force detectives executed a firearm prohibition order at a home on Sunnyside Road in Moree around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday. During the search, authorities allegedly discovered a bolt-action rifle, two pistols, a semi-automatic privately manufactured firearm, firearm parts, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Equipment used for ammunition manufacturing was also reportedly found.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the residence. Later the same day, police searched an office located approximately 4 kilometers away on Frome Street. There, they allegedly seized a 3D printer, firearm blueprints, and electronic devices.
The charges against the man include three counts of possession of or using a prohibited weapon without a permit and two counts of failing to comply with a digital evidence access order. He also faces charges related to possessing more than three unregistered firearms and manufacturing a prohibited weapon.
The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in the Bail Division Local Court on Wednesday. His arrest is the culmination of a four-month investigation by Strike Force Temarang into the alleged manufacturing of 3D-printed weapons and firearm components in Moree.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of the NSW Police Drug and Firearms Squad, is expected to release further details on Wednesday. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.