ACT Policing made a significant arrest on Boxing Day, taking a 39-year-old man into custody at a Canberra shopping centre and later discovering a loaded, 3D-printed firearm at his residence.
Boxing Day arrest at shopping centre
The arrest occurred just after 7:00 PM on Friday, December 26, 2025. Officers were conducting enquiries at an unspecified shopping mall in the city when they spotted a man known to be subject to an outstanding arrest warrant. Police subsequently arrested the man and conveyed him to the ACT Watch House.
Seizure of a 3D-printed weapon
Following the arrest, police executed a search at the man's property. During this search, they located and seized a loaded 3D-printed firearm concealed within a bag. Authorities noted that the weapon was loaded with imitation ammunition, which was capable of producing a realistic sound if discharged.
Charges and police warning
The man, who was already wanted for failing to answer bail, was expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday, December 27. He was charged with unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm and failing to appear after a bail undertaking.
In their statement, ACT Policing issued a stern reminder about the legality of such devices. "The manufacture of firearms or firearm parts using 3D printers or any other equipment is illegal," the statement read. It further warned that all items used to create a firearm, including printers, machines, phones, and computers, are subject to criminal asset confiscation.
This incident highlights the evolving challenges law enforcement faces with emerging technologies and homemade weapons.
