South Australian police have reported 12 arrests and the seizure of 61 firearms following a coordinated law-enforcement operation targeting illegal firearms and related criminal activity. The results were announced on 26 October 2026 by South Australia Police (SAPOL), following a national week of action conducted from 19 to 25 October.

The operation brought together state and federal law-enforcement agencies to identify people suspected of illegal firearms offences, disrupt trafficking networks and prevent prohibited weapons from reaching criminal groups. Authorities across Australia and New Zealand participated in the wider initiative, which focused on identifying illegal firearm supply pathways and reducing the risks associated with firearms-related offending.

According to SAPOL, officers in South Australia completed 29 searches during the operation. These searches resulted in 12 arrests, 33 charges and the seizure of 61 firearms. Police also carried out 27 compliance checks under Firearms Prohibition Orders and issued two new orders. A further 38 firearm-storage inspections were conducted as part of the enforcement effort.

At the national level, participating agencies across Australia and New Zealand seized 603 firearms and laid 941 charges during the week of action. The figures demonstrate the scale of the coordinated effort and the involvement of multiple jurisdictions in tackling illicit firearms.

Illegal firearms can create serious risks when they are used to threaten individuals, intimidate communities or facilitate other offences. Police operations targeting unlawful possession, manufacture, trafficking and supply aim to reduce the availability of weapons to people who may use them to commit violent or organised crime.

Detective Inspector Nathan Schollar of SAPOL's Firearms Branch said cooperation between jurisdictions was important in identifying emerging threats and disrupting criminal networks. Police also highlighted the role of community information and cooperation with Crime Stoppers South Australia in helping investigators identify potential risks.

The enforcement effort included checks relating to Firearms Prohibition Orders, which are intended to help authorities manage risks associated with individuals subject to such restrictions. Storage inspections also formed part of the operation, allowing police to examine compliance with relevant firearms-storage requirements.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about illegal firearm possession, trafficking or manufacturing to contact Crime Stoppers South Australia. This includes information about suspected 3D-printed firearms and digital blueprints used in their production. Information can be provided anonymously.

The operation's results were published by South Australia Police on 26 October. Investigations and enforcement work concerning illegal firearms remain important components of broader efforts to prevent violence and protect public safety.

Police have not attributed every firearm seized during the national operation to a single location or criminal network. The published South Australian figures describe the results across the state rather than a separate operation confined to Adelaide.

The announcement provides a snapshot of enforcement activity during the seven-day national initiative. The arrests, charges, searches and seizures reflect police activity during that period; they should not be interpreted as findings of guilt against every person arrested or charged. Any allegations will be dealt with through the appropriate legal processes.

The operation highlights the continued cooperation between Australian and New Zealand agencies in addressing the movement and unlawful use of firearms, while encouraging members of the public to report relevant information through official channels.