WA Police have seized more than 200 privately manufactured firearms (PMFs) since January 2025, as officers respond to their increasing prevalence across the state.
Through multiple investigations, and ongoing collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, WA Police have identified an increase in the presence and use of PMFs – particularly among serious and organised crime networks.
In 2025, officers seized 466 illicit firearms. Of those, 184 were PMFs, representing almost 40 per cent of all illicit firearms seized.
Between January and April 2026, a further 52 PMFs were seized, consistent with the increase in illicit firearm manufacturing identified in 2025.
As a result, the serious and organised crime division have established a specialist illicit firearm team within the drug and firearm squad.
The team provides a centralised capability focused on intelligence collection, coordinated investigations and the disruption of illicit firearm activity, including PMFs.
On April 9, a 41-year-old man was sentenced to nine and a half years' imprisonment for multiple offences, including his involvement in the manufacture of firearms and firearm parts.
On May 29, detectives from the drug and firearm squad executed a search warrant at a residence in Wellard.
During a search of the property officers seized several 3D-printed firearms, a 3D-printer containing printed knuckle dusters and a control system containing plans and files for manufacturing firearm related items.
Police also located a range of other items, including shotguns, gel blasters and ammunition, as well as various quantities of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
About 9.30am on May 31, detectives from the drug and firearm squad executed a search warrant at a residence in Ballajura.
During the search, officers allegedly located a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine, ammunition and more than $22,000 in cash.
While the search warrant was being conducted, a vehicle attended the address.
Detectives subsequently apprehended the driver and searched the vehicle, where they allegedly located and seized a semi-automatic 3D-printed firearm.
A 54-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were charged with a range of serious drug and firearm offences.
Later that day, at about 10.10pm, Perth police responded to a separate (unrelated) incident, where reports indicated a woman was being held hostage at gunpoint, at an apartment complex in Perth.
It will be alleged a 31-year-old man attended the apartment, which was occupied by two people, and committed a series of offences, including assault, threats and robbery, while in possession of a firearm and methylamphetamine.
The man was apprehended at the scene and charged with 12 serious offences. He is next due to appear before the court at a later date.
The seized firearm was subsequently identified as a PMF.
WA Police are aware of the increasing prevalence of PMFs and remain committed to identifying, disrupting and prosecuting those involved in their manufacture, possession and use, with community safety remaining the priority.
WA Police officers are also increasing their focus on PMFs through education and training to strengthen frontline awareness and investigative capability.
In July 2026, officers participated in workshops with national law enforcement partners to enhance their ability to identify PMFs and support investigative and disruption strategies.
The WA Police Force will continue to work closely with national and international partners to monitor emerging trends and target individuals involved in offences relating to PMFs.
MAJOR crash investigation officers have charged a 53-year-old male in relation to a serious crash that occurred in Midland on Saturday, July 4.
About 4.40pm, it will be alleged the male was riding a bicycle on the footpath of Morrison Road when he collided with a 64-year-old female walking across Mathoura Street.
It will be further alleged the male failed to stop and render assistance to the 64-year-old female, who was unresponsive, and sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision.
She was conveyed by ambulance to St John of God Midland Hospital, before being transferred to Royal Perth Hospital for further medical treatment.
On Thursday, July 9, officers attended a residential address on Nanine Place in Rivervale, where the male was arrested.
The 53-year-old from Midvale has since been charged with one count each of culpable driving (other than a motor vehicle) causing death or grievous bodily harm, driver failed to stop and ensure assistance received after incident occasioning grievous bodily harm, driver fail to report an incident occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, breach of bail undertaking and possess a prohibited drug (methylamphetamine).
He appeared before the Midland Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 9 where he was remanded through to August 21 following his second appearance in court on Friday, July 10.
ROAD Policing Group North officers have charged a 33-year-old man following a traffic crash in Guildford on Wednesday, May 20.
About 3.55pm, it will be alleged that the 33-year-old drove his truck, which was towing a dog trailer, into an activated railway crossing on Meadow Street.
An incoming passenger train allegedly collided with the dog trailer, separating it from the truck, causing work equipment to be ejected.
It will be further alleged that debris from the crash damaged three stationary vehicles, causing significant damage.
Further damage was allegedly caused to the rail infrastructure and train.
Three individuals sustained minor injuries and were conveyed to hospital.
A 33-year-old man from Ballajura has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm and one charge each of acts or omissions causing bodily harm or danger and driving with a prescribed illicit drug in oral fluid or blood.
He appeared in Midland Magistrates Court on July 17 where he was scheduled to reappear in Midland Magistrates Court on September 11 for legal advice.
