The illicit firearm symposium aimed to use collective expertise to disrupt and hinder criminal groups from trafficking and manufacturing privately made weapons in Australia. Detective Superintendent John Watson warned that the barrier to entry for producing these weapons was dangerously low and joint action was needed to mitigate the risk. He noted that while illicit firearms had not yet flooded criminal markets, they were increasingly being encountered during law enforcement operations. There had been over 90 raids resulting in hundreds of charges involving illicit guns and firearm parts in the past nine months.
The firearms were being made out of various materials, including plastic, screws, and household equipment, and while they may look toy-like, they were genuine and potentially lethal weapons. Experts were concerned about the rising numbers of blueprints sourced from overseas or on the dark web, outlining how to make guns. Detective Watson described the scene at some raids as a “manufacturer’s den,” where illicit guns were being stockpiled alongside firearm parts, 3D printers, and blueprints. The technology of 3D printing has become more sophisticated, allowing for the printing of entire guns and ammunition.
Walter Mikac, who lost his wife and two daughters in the Port Arthur massacre, was a keynote speaker at the event. He commended the symposium and said that being proactive about reducing the threat of privately made firearms was crucial in preventing tragedies. Mikac wished similar meetings had been held before the Port Arthur massacre, as it could have potentially changed the course of his life. He emphasized that the traumatic events had long-lasting effects on individuals and communities, with some never recovering from the mental health impacts.
Earlier in the year, a strike force was launched to investigate the importation and private manufacturing of firearms. During a search in Googong, investigators seized various weapons, including loaded pistols, privately manufactured firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and illicit substances. In another operation in Gordon, detectives seized handguns, rifles, gel blasters, a flamethrower, cannabis plants, ammunition, and a 3D printer. A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing firearms and parts for manufacturing firearms. These incidents highlighted the seriousness of the issue and the need for proactive measures to combat the production and trafficking of illicit firearms.
Overall, the symposium brought together experts to address the increasing threat of privately made firearms in Australia. The ease with which these weapons can be produced and sourced is alarming, and joint action is necessary to prevent criminals from circumventing existing firearm laws. The use of 3D printing technology has added a new dimension to the problem, allowing for the creation of entire guns and ammunition. The importance of proactive measures in preventing tragedies like the Port Arthur massacre was emphasized by speakers like Walter Mikac, who highlighted the lasting impact of such events on individuals and communities. Police operations have resulted in seizures of illicit firearms and related items, demonstrating the real and present danger posed by the production and trafficking of these weapons.
