A machine gun seized by police during a raid at Marleston. Picture: SA Police Source: adelaidenow
A MAN has been arrested for allegedly manufacturing firearms, including automatic machine guns.
Police seized two automatic machine guns - plus a further nine in production - and other firearms including a home-made .22 calibre revolver, a loaded 9mm handgun, two silencers, a shotgun, an air-rifle and an air-pistol.
Blueprints and tools for the manufacture of firearms were also found, police said.
Serious Firearm Crime Investigation Branch detectives arrested the Marleston man, 55, on Thursday during an investigation into the illegal manufacture of firearms.
He was charged with several offences including three counts of manufacturing firearms (which carries a maximum penalty 15 years imprisonment) and multiple counts of possessing firearms without a licence and various other offences under the Firearms Act.
He appeared in court on Friday and was remanded in custody until December 7.
Police will allege a weapon manufactured by the same man was found linked with serious drug offending on Tuesday, November 27.
Assistant Commissioner Linda Williams said the sophisticated operation had been disrupted.
"Police are pleased that production of these dangerous firearms has been stopped," she said.
"The manufacture of these firearms is a concern to police. The only market for these firearms is the illegal market.
"Firearms such as these pose a significant danger to the community."
Police said they also found a firearm registered to a licensed firearm dealer, who had his firearms seized.
He was reported for illegally supplying a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests may be made.
Anyone with knowledge of illegal firearms should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
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