Teacher allegedly took 3D-printed handgun into Canberra school

A teacher allegedly took this 3D-printed handgun into a school in April 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.

Police believe a teacher allegedly took a 3D-printed handgun into a Canberra school with the “misguided” aim of wanting to demonstrate the capabilities of the printing technology.

The incident prompted ACT Policing to remind the community that 3D-printed guns and gun parts are illegal.

Officers were called to a school last week after being told a teacher had brought in a 3D-printed handgun.

A police spokesperson said the handgun was not shown to a class.

Police later raided the teacher’s home, where they allegedly seized both the handgun and the 3D printer that had been used to make it.

The 3D-printed handgun was allegedly seized after police raided the teacher’s home. Photo: ACT Policing.

Footage of the illegal item shows it was a small handgun.

“At this time, police believe this incident was a misguided effort to demonstrate the capabilities of 3D-printing technology,” the spokesperson said.

“Enquiries relating to this matter are continuing.”

On Tuesday (15 April), police said they wanted to remind the community that the creation of firearms or firearm parts using 3D printers or any other equipment was illegal.

“All items used to create a firearm are also subject to criminal asset confiscation including printers, machines, phones and computers,” the police spokesperson said.

In March 2025, police announced they had allegedly dismantled an illegal firearm manufacturing ring that had been operating on the NSW/ACT border.

Four men were arrested over these allegations.

If you have information about the illegal possession or creation of firearms in the ACT, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.