One person a fortnight has been charged with possessing a blueprint to make 3D-printed guns since Queensland strengthened its firearm laws.
After the Bondi terror attack, the state government introduced legislation making it an offence to possess blueprints to create 3D-printed weapons.
New South Wales and Tasmania are the only other jurisdictions to do this.
Police charged two men after officers seized 34 3D printed ‘Glock’ style firearms on the Gold Coast. (Supplied: QPS)
“Every jurisdiction is reporting an increase around privately made firearms and their seizure and use in the commission of violent crimes,” Detective Inspector Brad Phelps, from Queensland’s Crime and Intelligence Command Drug Squad said.
“Any of these laws that increase these penalties around firearm offending, and specifically legislation relating to the possession of digital blueprints … are significant modifications or amendments will assist us in doing our job for the community.”
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps says an increase in the use of 3D-printed firearms is being reported across the country. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)
Queensland police have charged 11 people with the possession and distribution of blueprint material for the manufacture of firearms between March, when the law came into effect, and June this year.
An entire firearm can be made using 3D-printed technology, and blueprints can be found online, almost like a dress pattern.
Some people have been found to use a hybrid model, which combines gun parts with 3D-printed material.
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Among those charged include two men accused of possessing 34 3D-printed Glock style firearms, 800 rounds of ammunition, handgun magazines and a hard drive with blueprints for printing 3D-firearms.
The pair were arrested after officers allegedly found the items during a search of a vehicle at Surfers Paradise in March.
There are concerns over the alarming rise of homemade guns, also known as ghost guns, which have been linked to recent cases, including the death of a woman on the Gold Coast at the weekend.
Made in the suburbs
Police say the majority of 3D-printed guns seized in Queensland have been made in suburban homes.
“We had a case in Bundaberg where it’s alleged an individual had three rooms set up with 3D printers that were operating and producing 3D firearms,” Detective Inspector Phelps said.
“When you talk about blueprints and manufacturing firearms, these are people that are producing a lethal weapon that could discharge a projectile and cause someone’s death.”
Gun control experts say homemade guns are a growing problem nationally. (Supplied: AFP)
Unlike traditional firearms, homemade guns don’t have serial numbers and can be hard to trace.
“That lone actor type terrorist will have a propensity to look towards 3D-printed firearms or privately made firearms as a means of securing firearms to commit harm,” Detective Inspector Phelps said.
“It is certainly complicating that process for police to identify and take tactical action on people before such incidences can occur.“
Effectiveness of laws yet to be revealed
Gun control experts say homemade guns are a growing problem nationally and are increasingly being used in the context of crime.
“Private manufacture in the form of 3D-printing has essentially brought illicit firearms manufacture to anyone who can afford a printer and who wants to make a great deal of money in a very short time,” Violence Prevention Institute’s Samara McPhedran said.
“Supply and demand works in criminal markets the same as it does anywhere else.”
Police charged two men in March after officers seized ammunition, handgun magazines and rifle magazines. (Supplied: QPS)
Dr McPhedran said it was too early to know if the legislation would be a deterrent.
“The first step we look at is whether the law is enabling police to bring charges against certain individuals, and it appears to be doing that. The second step is what happens when the matter is brought before the court and how a judge might interpret the law,” she said.
“And then the third step is what happens down the track? Will these laws be effective in addressing that new model of supply of illegal firearms in Australia?”
Anyone caught in possession of a blueprint for the manufacture of firearms can face up to 10 years prison.
“These are really serious offences, so if people want to get involved, they are looking at doing serious custodial sentences … we don’t treat this lightly,” Detective Inspector Phelps said.
“It creates community harm at the very highest level, and we need to stamp it out.”
