Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged a solicitor with allegedly possessing four firearms, ammunition and manufacturing 3D weapons in the state’s north.
Strike Force Temarang was established by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad into the importation and manufacture of 3D printed firearms and firearm parts, 3D computer aided designed software, and other privately manufactured firearms.
In April 2026, officers attached to New England Police District commenced inquiries into the manufacture of 3D printed firearms and firearm parts in Moree.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.15am on Tuesday (11 August 2026) strike force detectives, in partnership with officers from New England Police District, executed a firearm prohibition order (FPO) compliance check at a home on Sunnyside Road, Moree.
During the search, police allegedly seized a bolt action rifle, two pistols, semi-automatic privately manufactured firearm, firearm parts, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and equipment related to the manufacture of ammunition.
32-year-old Joshua David Gale was arrested and taken to Moree Police Station.
About 12pm the same day, police executed a crime scene warrant at an office on Frome Street, Moree, where detectives allegedly seized a 3D printer, blueprints to create firearms and electronic devices.
Gale was charged with 16 offences, including,
- Acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order
- Acquire firearm – subject to prohibition order
- Firearm found at premises – subject to prohibition order
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (three counts)
- Acquire prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order
- Firearm found at premises – subject to prohibition order
- Manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit
- Acquire pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order (two counts)
- Firearm found at premises – subject to prohibition order (two counts)
- Possess more than three unregistered firearms (one is prohibited/pistol)
- Fail to comply digital evidence access order direction (two counts)
He was refused bail and appeared at Bail Division Local Court 5 yesterday (Wednesday 12 August 2026) where he was again refused bail and will appear at Moree local Court on the 6th of October.
Media Release: NSW Police
