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Multiple firearms seized during national operation

Last update: Monday, 26 October 2026 3:10pm
Original publication: Monday, 26 October 2026 3:10pm

ACT Policing has seized 13 firearms and arrested four men as part of a national operation targeting illicit firearms.

Operation Athena, comprising police forces from Australia and New Zealand as well as Commonwealth agencies, ran from 19-25 October.

In the ACT, police executed eight search warrants across Evatt, Denman Prospect, Reid, Belconnen, Phillip, Gilmore, Chisholm and Hackett.

Four men were arrested and charged with 14 offences relating to possessing firearms, drugs and other prohibited weapons.

Police undertook 36 compliance checks with registered firearms owners, resulting in two licence cancellations and the seizure of six firearms.

Three gel blasters and replica firearms were also seized. Gel blasters are made to very closely resemble conventional firearms and are illegal to own in the ACT.

ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye said every firearm seized during the operation was one less firearm in the community that could be used for harm.

"Through Operation Athena, police around the country have been able to proactively disrupt the illicit firearm market, and to ensure that registered firearms owners are meeting their licence obligations," Det. A/Insp. Battye said.

"While the overwhelming majority of registered firearms owners do the right thing, these coordinated activities help identify potential risks and provide opportunities for us to intervene before people are hurt."

If you have any information about illegal firearms, such as the identity of anyone who may be using, keeping, or making illicit firearms, please contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers website. Information can be provided anonymously.