Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF), have seized multiple firearms and other prohibited items following a joint operation in Acacia Hills.
On 13 April 2025, ABF officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility intercepted a prohibited import—a firearms silencer—addressed to a 62-year-old male residing at a rural property in Acacia Hills. The individual is a known person of interest to police, with his firearms licence having been revoked in 2019.
On 16 May 2025, members of the NT Police Firearms Audit and Enforcement team, alongside ABF officers, executed a comprehensive search of the 56-hectare property under section 119AA of the Police Administration Act. The male was apprehended at the scene.
ABF firearms and explosives detection dogs were deployed and indicated several areas of interest within the primary dwelling. During the search, officers located and seized:
- A Mini Ruger 14 .223 semi-automatic rifle with two 30-round magazines (one loaded), concealed under a couch.
- A Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag bolt-action rifle hidden within shed pylons.
- Multiple boxes of live ammunition and spent shell casings.
- A night-vision thermal weapon sight and multiple firearm scopes.
- Firearm cleaning equipment.
- Approximately 3 grams of cannabis.
- Evidence of a makeshift shooting range beneath a veranda.
Following the discovery of cannabis, a section 120B search warrant was executed in addition to the initial 119AA search.
Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and Territory Support Division officers assist in conducting a detailed grid search of the surrounding bushland, confirming no further weapons were present.
The male has been issued a Notice to Appear in the Darwin Local Court on 15 July 2025 for the following offences:
- Possess/use Category D firearm while unlicensed
- Possess/use Category B firearm while unlicensed
- Possess ammunition without a licence
- Possess unregistered firearm
- Possess less than traffickable quantity of a Schedule 2 dangerous drug
Additionally, ABF issued the male with an infringement notice totalling $4,950.
Senior Sergeant Alex Brennan said, “This incident highlights not only the ongoing risks posed by individuals unlawfully possessing firearms and prohibited imports, but also the seamless collaboration between agencies when it comes to investigating firearms offences.”
ABF Commander Tracie Griffin said people should remember that any weapons or parts that are purchased overseas have to come across the border, and warned “that’s where our highly trained officers, detector dogs and cutting-edge x-ray technology are deployed”.
“In the wrong hands, these weapons could be deadly. If we detect them at the border, we will seize them and where appropriate prosecute those trying to bring them in illegally,” Commander Griffin said.
“Recreational shooters and firearm enthusiasts importing firearms, firearm parts or other weapons online should be very clear about the regulations in place.
“Anyone attempting to import prohibited weapons, including firearm parts, runs the risk of losing those goods and facing possible criminal prosecution.”
Importing firearms without a permit is a serious offence with penalties including imprisonment for up to ten years and/or fines of up to $525,000.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or related activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Crime Stoppers NT.
