A former law enforcement officer has been apprehended among others in an inquiry regarding an alleged gun manufacturing syndicate on the NSW south coast, authorities have disclosed.
During an arrest in Shellharbour around 12:20 pm yesterday, police discovered two privately made machine guns, along with ammunition, balaclavas, and cable ties, on a 45-year-old male suspect.
Four more loaded revolvers, three ballistic vests, a 3D printer, and various firearm components were discovered when authorities searched his property.
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The components encompassed slides, barrels, triggers, magazines, documentation, electronic gadgets, cellphones, and myriad rounds of different ammunitions.
Multiple locations on the premises reportedly housed areas where firearms were allegedly manufactured.
"We will allege that the people involved in these matters were preparing to manufacture more firearms and distribute them throughout Australia and especially NSW," Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said.
This involved a very advanced method for producing firearms that they had set up, including the use of a 3D printer.
We don't come across firearms of this caliber very frequently... some components were manufactured locally, while others were brought in from abroad.
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The individual was transported to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he faced 20 charges, which included deliberately aiding a criminal organization as well as participating in various firearms supply offenses.
He didn't get bail and is set to appear at the Wollongong Local Court today.
At around noon yesterday, police officers carried out a search warrant in Farmborough Heights, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old boy.
He was brought to the Illawarra Police Station where he faced 16 charges, which included being part of a criminal group and offenses connected to firearm distribution.
The police indicate that the teenager is closely connected to the 45-year-old man, whom investigators claim previously served as a law enforcement officer.
"The conduct attributed to this 45-year-old former police officer is utterly repugnant to me as someone who has served in law enforcement," Koutsoufis stated.
Putting himself in such a situation is unimaginable for me; having plummeted so drastically from where he once stood... honestly, it’s incomprehensible to me.
Koutsoufis affirmed that he was not a policeman in New South Wales.
He didn't get bail and appeared at the Children’s Court today.
A third individual, who is 43 years old, was taken into custody at Burleigh Beach in Queensland.
He was transported to the Southport Watch House, and detectives plan to seek his extradition to New South Wales later today.
Police authorities indicate that the roads of New South Wales have become more secure subsequent to these apprehensions.
"[Allegedly], they played an active role in peddling extremely hazardous weapons, such as automatic machine guns, to individuals engaged in major criminal activities," stated Koutsoufis.
Investigations continue.