Sovereign citizens and doomsday preppers with 3D-printed firearms are among hundreds of people arrested in a nationwide crack down on illegal weapons.

An Australian Border Force operation has led to the seizure of more than 1,000 firearms and parts, including 281 made via 3D-printing processes.

Across Australia, 184 arrests were made and 854 charges laid.

NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said the increasing quality of 3D-printed weapons was elevating their threat to police and wider society.

But Detective Superintendent Watson, head of Australia's Illicit Firearms Working Group, insisted the results of the week-long operation showed law enforcement innovation was keeping pace with alleged criminals.

"The rise of 3D printing is a demand on policing that is seeing new bou

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