Semi-automatic assault rifle manufactured with 3D printer seized by Australian police
An Australian teenager is facing charges of making a “fully functional” 3D printed gun, which he allegedly made at home.
3D Printed Firearm Seized
Australian police have confiscated a semi-automatic assault rifle which looks like a toy, but the plastic gun could potentially fire 15 lethal 9mm rounds at once.
This is the first time that a homemade 3D-printed gun has been confiscated in Western Australia. This sparked concerns among law enforcement agencies as well as the public that there could be similar firearms elsewhere in the community.
“It’s deeply concerning that this man was able to (allegedly) manufacture this firearm at home with a 3D printer and readily available materials,” detective Senior Sergeant Blair Smith said. “That is a semi-automatic 9mm assault rifle in essence,” he said further, adding that it can cause serious harm within the community.
Police operation
The police carried out an intelligence-based operation at the 18-year-old man’s Bayswater address on Friday, June 3, and reportedly seized:
- The plastic firearm
- Suppressor
- A silencer
- Ammunition, and
- Gel blasters
- A barrel manufacturing station at the home
Smith said that such firearms are “unregulated and unlicensed” and cannot be allowed in the community.
Charges on the teenager
Detectives from the Drug and Firearm Squad have charged the teenager, who according to the police was not licensed to hold a firearm, with a number of firearm offences including:
- 1 count of unlicensed manufacture of firearms and ammunition
- 4 counts of possession of a prohibited weapon
- 2 counts of unlicensed possession of firearm and ammunition
- 1 count of possession of contrivance known as a silencer
He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on 20 June.