Police seize more than 2000 firearms in March across two operations

ACT Policing’s Firearms Registry seized more than 2000 firearms following search warrant activity in two operations last month.

In the first operation, following a joint investigation between ACT Policing and New South Wales Police, police seized more than 2000 firearms and firearms parts in Mitchell between 4 and 6 March 2025 due to alleged regulatory breaches.

Police identified numerous breaches of the ACT Firearms and Prohibited Weapons Acts allegedly committed by a licenced firearms dealer. These included the apparent manufacture and possession of suppressors, possession of large capacity magazines, prohibited imitation weapons, unregistered firearms, and inadequately secured firearms.

The second operation was conducted after an 80-year-old man was charged with family violence offences.

As a licensed firearms holder, the man was required to surrender his firearms – with police subsequently seizing more than 150 firearms from his property in McKellar.

Officer in Charge of the ACT Firearms Registry, Inspector Dennis Gellatly, said that police will always seize firearms when licence holders are doing the wrong thing.

“The Firearms Registry expects all licence holders to comply with their requirements, which are clearly outlined upon obtaining a firearm,” Inspector Gellatly said.

“Anyone who engages in criminal conduct can expect to have their licence revoked and their firearms seized.

For more information on the responsibilities of all licenced firearms holders, please refer to ACT Policing’s Firearms Licences page.