A Burnie man has been charged after police allegedly uncovered a homemade gun-making operation in Tasmania’s north-west.
Police say they found several 3D-printed firearms, firearm parts and ammunition during a search of the home on Sunday afternoon.
The haul allegedly included a printed silencer, a sub-machine gun and several pistols, along with a 3D printer, illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
He has been charged with firearms possession offences, dealing in firearms without a licence and unlawfully possessing a digital blueprint for manufacturing a firearm.
He is due to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said the seizure had taken dangerous weapons off the streets.
“This seizure has disrupted the distribution of a significant number of firearms that are not only illegal, but dangerous,” she said.
“Firearms in the wrong hands pose a serious risk to community safety.”
“We will continue to remove these dangerous weapons from the community and disrupt those intending to manufacture and distribute them.”
It is the second such case in Tasmania in recent weeks, after police seized 13 firearms and seven 3D printers at Risdon Vale, near Hobart.
Police have not suggested the two cases are linked.
Investigations are continuing, with anyone with information urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
