The possession of digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms is illegal in several Australian jurisdictions, carrying penalties of up to 21 years in prison.
An ACT (Australia Capital Territory) teacher is being investigated for allegedly bringing a 3D-printed handgun to a local school last week.
While the weapon was not displayed in class, the staff member reportedly took it home later the same day.
ACT Police Officers later executed a search warrant at the teacher’s residence, seizing the firearm along with a 3D printer believed to have been used in its manufacture.
Authorities said the teacher may have intended to demonstrate the capabilities of 3D printing technology rather than cause harm, describing the incident as a “misguided effort.”
No charges have yet been laid, but inquiries are ongoing.
Strong Warnings
In response to the incident, ACT Policing issued a warning to the public that manufacturing firearms or firearm parts using 3D printers is illegal under Australian law.
“All items used to create a firearm are also subject to criminal asset confiscation, including printers, machines, phones and computers,” police said in a statement.
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They encouraged anyone with information about the illegal possession or creation of firearms in the territory to contact Crime Stoppers.
The case adds to growing concern over the proliferation of 3D-printed weapons, which police say can appear toy-like but are fully functional and potentially deadly.
The 3D-printed gun that ACT Police seized is seen taken apart. ACT Police
The possession of digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms is illegal in several jurisdictions, carrying penalties of up to 21 years in prison.
Rising Threat of 3D-Printed Guns Across Australia
The Canberra incident follows a series of national investigations into 3D-printed weapons.
In November 2024, a 32-year-old man in New South Wales (NSW) was charged after a police operation uncovered a cache of 3D-printed firearms.
The case is one of several that have raised red flags about how criminals are attempting to bypass Australia’s stringent firearm laws.
In another case in May 2024, two men were arrested after police seized 3D-printed submachine guns, explosives, and nine stolen vehicles. The bust followed a joint NSW and federal police operation targeting illegal firearms.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, commander of the NSW Police Drug and Firearms Squad, warned last year that 3D-printed weapons have made their way into homes and communities across the country.
In 2023–24, the Australian Border Force intercepted 828 undeclared firearms, components, and accessories.
Western Australia Police also recorded the largest seizure of 3D-printed guns in the state’s history last year.
