A 3D-printed firearm allegedly designed to resemble a popular children’s toy was among the items police say they found during a search of an Augustine Heights home, with a Springfield Lakes woman later charged with 11 drug and weapons offences.
Officers from the Ipswich Tactical Crime Squad and Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch searched the Technology Drive address on 15 September. Police allege the search uncovered the privately manufactured firearm alongside ammunition, drugs and drug paraphernalia. The alleged appearance of the firearm has drawn particular attention from police, who say privately manufactured weapons can be concealed in forms that look very different from conventional guns.
A Gun Made To Look Like Something Else
Police footage from the search showed officers examining the pink 3D-printed firearm inside the property, where it appeared wrapped in bubble wrap. Investigators allege the weapon had been intentionally made to resemble a popular children’s toy.
Ipswich Tactical Crime Squad Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Michelle Blaney said privately manufactured firearms could be produced outside the traditional firearm supply chain, making them a concern from both policing and community safety perspectives. She said officers were also dealing with the added challenge of weapons that could be concealed in forms that did not resemble traditionally manufactured firearms.
Police said they would continue targeting the manufacture and possession of privately produced firearms, with efforts focused on identifying and removing such weapons from circulation.
Springfield Lakes Woman Faces 11 Charges
A 38-year-old Springfield Lakes woman was charged following the search. The charges include four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of possessing Schedule 4 medicine, along with one count each of possessing a relevant substance, possession of a Category D/H/R weapon, authority required to possess explosives, possessing utensils and failing to dispose of a needle or syringe.
The allegations have not been tested in court. The woman is due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on 7 October. Police have also appealed for information about the manufacture of privately manufactured firearms or illicit drugs. Information can be provided to Policelink, while anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Published 23-September-2026