WA Police allegedly seize 3D printed weapons and drugs stash during searches in Perth

A man WA Police believe is a “significant member of a serious and organised criminal network” is in custody after authorities allegedly seized an arsenal of 3D-printed firearms, illicit drugs and thousands of dollars in cash during searches in Perth’s north.

The alleged haul included 21 privately made guns, over two kilograms of meth and $72,500.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Police uncover alleged haul of secret weapons and drugs.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with 45 serious offences.

Tipped off by information about firearms trafficking and the sale of drugs, officers raided a Duncraig property on October 15.

In the home, police allegedly found the drugs, money and 14 “fully operational” 3D-printed guns - plus 3D printers, parts and ammunition.

A further seven homemade firearms were discovered buried in Bullsbrook bushland two days later, police allege.

The 36-year-old Duncraig man’s extensive list of charges includes 21 counts of firearm possession with circumstances of aggravation and 10 counts of unlawfully possessing a controlled or prescription drug.

He was also charged with possession of firearm technology without a licence.

The man, who police believe is a key player within an organised criminal network, will appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on November 11.

“The arrest of this organised crime player has resulted in significant disruption to a crime group and the distribution of meth, privately manufactured firearms and the laundering of the proceeds of this offending,” Detective Superintendent John Hutchison said.

“This arrest is only the beginning of what will be an extensive investigation.

“There is clearly a broader network of criminals involved and we are committed to identifying who they are and bringing them to justice.

“Every stolen or illegal firearm poses a real risk to the community and also to our officers, particularly the concealable handguns and 3D-printed firearms.”

The seizures were one of two major investigations police highlighted on Friday, also announcing that two men had been charged with serious drug offences during an operation targeting travellers landing in Perth from Melbourne and Sydney.

The alert was raised about a 76-year-old man arriving from Melbourne on Tuesday, with police tracking him to Dayton and conducting a traffic stop.

It is alleged a bag he collected at the airport contained more than two kilograms of meth.

About $50,000 in cash that police allege was the proceeds of drug offences were also seized during a search of a home in Dayton.

The 76-year-old man from Balga has been charged with possession of a trafficable quantity of meth with intent to sell or supply and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on November 7.

A 55-year-old Dayton man allegedly in the car with the man was charged with the same offence as well as receiving or dealing with money or property that is the proceeds of an offence, and supplying a prohibited drug.

The accused will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on December 5.