A 36-year-old man has been charged with several offences after investigators seized 21 privately made 3D-printed firearms, methylamphetamine and cash during the search of a home and bushland in Perth's northern suburbs.
In September 2024, detectives from the Border Operations Squad commenced an investigation after receiving information relating to firearms trafficking and the sale and supply of illicit drugs.
On 15 October, officers executed a search warrant at an address in Duncraig where a 36-year-old man was arrested.
During a search of the home, it will be alleged officers located over two kilograms of methylamphetamine, $72,500 cash and 14 fully operational 3D-printed firearms. Also located were three 3D-printers, firearm parts and ammunition.
On 17 October, further intelligence led officers to a bushland location in Bullsbrook, where a further seven 3D-printed firearms were located buried in the bushland.
The 36-year-old Duncraig man has been charged with:
- 21 x Possess Firearm with Circumstances of Aggravation
- 10 x Unlawfully Possessed a Controlled or Prescription Drug
- 3 x Unlicensed Person Possess Firearm/Ammunition
- 2 x Manufactured a Firearm without a Licence
- 2 x Possessed a Prohibited Drug
- 2 x Possessed Any Drug Paraphernalia
- 1 x Acquired, Sold, Possessed or Used a Firearm Accessory in Circumstances of Aggravation
- 1 x Possess Trafficable Amount of Methylamphetamine with Intent to Sell or Supply
- 1 x Possessed Firearm Technology While Not Authorised by Licence
- 1 x Property Laundering Engaged in Transaction
- 1 x Possessed a Prohibited Weapon
He is next due to appear before the Joondalup Magistrates Court on 11 November 2024.
The investigation into the involvement of other parties remains ongoing - police anticipate further charges will be preferred in the near future.
Serious and Organised Crime Division Detective Superintendent John Hutchison said the man is believed to be a significant member of a serious and organised criminal network operating in Perth.
"Our efforts in targeting the movements of illicit drugs, cash and firearms across the state border remains a priority for detectives from the Serious and Organised Division," Detective Superintendent Hutchison said.
"The arrest of this organised crime player has resulted in significant disruption to a crime group and the distribution of methylamphetamine, privately manufactured firearms and the laundering of the proceeds of this offending".
"This arrest is only the beginning of what will be an extensive investigation.
"There is clearly a broader network of criminals involved and we are committed to identifying who they are and bringing them to justice.
"Every stolen or illegal firearm poses a real risk to the community and also to our officers, particularly the concealable handguns and 3D-printed firearms.
"WA Police Force work closely with our counterparts in other Australian jurisdictions, through the Operation Athena network - which has a focus on the fight against illicit and privately made firearms nationwide.
"We know the removal of these firearms from our community has made the streets of Western Australia safer and we remain committed to our efforts in ensuring the Western Australian community is protected."
