ACT police raid uncovers 3D-printed guns, drugs, and illegal weapons in Belconnen
Consensus Summary
Police in Canberra conducted raids on May 13, 2026, on two properties in Belconnen, seizing a large cache of illegal weapons, including 128 3D-printed firearm parts, multiple 3D-printed guns, two foldable pistols, and other items like tasers and knuckledusters. A 39-year-old man was charged with unauthorised manufacture and possession of firearms and ammunition, remanded in custody after appearing in court on May 14. The operation, involving ACT and NSW Police, also uncovered illicit drugs and stolen property. The raids follow recent legislative proposals to tighten firearm laws in the ACT, prompted by concerns over 3D-printed weapons. Police described the seizure as one of the largest on record, highlighting a growing trend of illegal firearms production using 3D printing technology.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A 39-year-old Belconnen man was charged with unauthorised manufacture and possession of firearms and ammunition after raids on two Canberra properties on May 13, 2026.
- Police seized 128 3D-printed firearm parts, multiple 3D-printed guns, two 'foldable' pistols, a taser, gel blasters, an extendable baton, and a 3D-printed knuckleduster during the raids.
- The raids were conducted by ACT Policing's Criminal Investigations, Drugs and Organised Crime Team, with support from an Australian Federal Police Tactical Response team.
- The man was remanded in custody after facing court on May 14, 2026, with no bail application made.
- The properties searched were located in Belconnen, including one on Howie Court, near the Belconnen Police Station.
- Police found illicit drugs and stolen property (two bicycles) at the properties.
- The investigation involved a joint operation between ACT Police and NSW Police.
- The man was charged with unauthorised manufacture of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
- Police identified the man as allegedly involved in creating and supplying 3D-printed firearms.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- A 3D printer and weapons blueprints were found at one of the properties.
- Police seized one 3D-printed firearm in the 2024-25 financial year and five 3D-printed firearms or parts between July 2025 and March 2026.
- This seizure is described as one of the largest on record.
- Changes to firearms legislation were introduced to the ACT Assembly in February 2026, aiming to limit firearm ownership, tighten classifications, and criminalise possession of blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.
- Police found a 3D-printed handgun and ammunition in December 2025 during a search of a Canberra property.
- In April 2025, ACT Policing officers seized a 3D-printed handgun and a 3D printer from a teacher’s home after a school search.
- The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into illegal firearms manufacture in the ACT, triggered by the Bondi terror attack.
- Police expect more charges to be laid in relation to the investigation.
- The man was charged with unauthorised possession/use of 10 or more firearms.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the man was charged with 'unauthorised manufacture and possession of firearms and ammunition,' while NEWSCOMAU adds 'unauthorised possession/use of 10 or more firearms,' which is not mentioned in ABC.
- ABC reports the man was charged with a single offence of unauthorised manufacture and possession, while NEWSCOMAU implies multiple charges (including possession of 10+ firearms) were laid, with more expected.
Source Articles
'Foldable' pistols and 3D-printed guns seized in Canberra
A police investigation has uncovered a large cache of weapons in the national capital's suburbs, less than a kilometre from the Belconnen Police Station.
3D-printed guns, drugs found in home: cops
The man is suspected of manufacturing and supplying the illegal firearms and parts, which police allegedly found during a search warrant.