Firearms and prohibited weapons offences

Firearms offences attract severe penalties. The State Government’s task force ‘Operation Apollo’ is focusing on uncovering illegal firearms and weapons in an attempt to curb gun and organised crime. Operation Apollo was established in February 2013 and is led by the State Crime Command with assistance from metropolitan and local police.

Since the commencement of Operation Apollo in 2013 over 220 people have been arrested and charged with more than 420 offences.

There are four Acts under which you can be charged with a firearms or prohibited weapon offence. These Acts set out offences in relation to the use, possession, manufacture, purchase and supply of firearms and other weapons.

The Acts are:

• Firearms Act 1996
• Weapons Prohibition Act 1998
• Crimes Act 1900
• Customs Act and Regulations