Police seize more than 2000 firearms during March raids

Police seized more than 2000 firearms or firearm parts from Mitchell from 4 to 6 March 2025. Photos: ACT Policing.

Police recently seized more than 2000 firearms or firearm parts from a licenced dealer in the ACT over alleged regulatory breaches, as well as 150 from a man who had been stockpiling them at his home.

ACT Policing’s Firearms Registry conducted two operations last month.

In the first, a joint investigation between ACT Policing and NSW Police resulted in the seizure of more than 2000 firearms and firearms parts in Mitchell between 4 and 6 March due to alleged regulatory breaches.

“Police identified numerous breaches of the ACT Firearms and Prohibited Weapons Acts allegedly committed by a licenced firearms dealer,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.

“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 later that month, after an 80-year-old man was charged with family violence offences.

As he was a licensed firearms holder, he was required to surrender his firearms, but police ultimately found more than 150 guns at his property in McKellar.

150 guns were seized from a man's home in McKellar in March.

More than 2000 firearms or firearm parts were seized from a licenced dealer in Mitchell in March 2025.

Officer in Charge of the ACT Firearms Registry, Inspector Dennis Gellatly, said police will always seize firearms when licence holders do 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, visit ACT Policing Firearms Licences.