Two men face a range of serious charges, including manufacturing and dealing in illegal firearms, following the seizure of 3D printers and 3D-printed firearms in police searches of three properties in southern Tasmania.

Officers from the Southern District Drugs and Firearms Unit seized two 3D printers, multiple firearm parts, several 3D-printed firearms and silencers, $44,000 in cash and a quantity of methylamphetamine (ice) during the searches in Glenorchy, Risdon Vale and Austins Ferry on Tuesday.

A 29-year-old man from Glenorchy and a 28-year-old man from Risdon Vale have been arrested and detained for court.

The men are charged with a range of offences, including manufacturing and dealing in firearms, possessing 3D firearm digital blueprints and possession of a controlled substance.

The men are also charged with multiple firearm-related offences, with the man from Glenorchy also charged with recklessly discharging a firearm in a public place on multiple occasions.

Detective Inspector Richard Penney said Tasmania Police was determined to reduce the presence of illicit firearms in the community.

“Police will allege they have uncovered and dismantled a significant illicit firearms manufacturing setup involving 3D printing technology,” Detective Inspector Penney said of Tuesday’s arrests.

“These types of weapons pose a serious risk to community safety, and we remain committed to holding accountable those who endanger the public through the production of illicit firearms.”

Anyone with information about illegal drug or firearm activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

A permanent firearms amnesty exists in Tasmania. Unregistered or unwanted firearms can be surrendered to police, or firearms dealers, without action being taken in relation to possession offences.