Thousands of seized firearms, including rifles, shotguns and pistols, will be destroyed this month by New South Wales police. More than three tons of illegal and delivered firearms will be melted into steel and recycled to try to keep guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.
NSW Deputy Prime Minister Paul Toole said 84 illegal weapons had been confiscated by attack force operations over the past month.
Among the items to be destroyed are pistols, rifles, shotguns, military firearms, homemade firearms, airsoft, ice blasters, compressed air pistols and compressed air rifles. (9 News)
“These weapons are actually used to cause fear and harm among society.”
“They’re going to the junkyard.”
“These are firearms that will no longer be in people’s homes.”
“These are firearms that will no longer be on our streets,” Toole said.
Firearms will be melted into steel and produced in other items. (9 News)
The 2809 firearms collected by NSW police over the past 12 months have gone through an audit process and are now ready to be destroyed and reused for the construction industry.
“We know that the vast majority of people in our community own firearms for a valid reason,” Toole said.
“… then there are those who use these weapons to cause fear and cause serious harm to others.”
Police Commissioner Karen Webb and NSW Deputy Prime Minister Paul Toole announce thousands of guns ready for destruction following recent confiscations. (9 News)
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said every firearm destroyed is a victory for all.
“We have all seen the damage caused by the illegal use of firearms and the fear it can cause within the community at large,” he said.
“We have strong firearms and firearms legislation in New South Wales that restricts use to licensed holders.
“But when it falls into the wrong hands or has to be handed over, people can hand over their firearms without asking any questions.”
The weapons were confiscated through criminal investigations, located as abandoned property, and handed over. (9 News)
On July 1, 2021, the police instituted an amnesty that allows and encourages people to hand over weapons they no longer want without asking any questions.