"Sovereign citizens" and "doomsday preppers" are among hundreds arrested with 3D-printed firearms in a nationwide crackdown on illegal weapons.

An Australian Border Force operation has led to the seizure of more than 1000 firearms and parts, including 281 made via 3D-printing processes.

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

The increasing quality of 3D-printed weapons is elevating their threat to police and wider society, says NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson who heads Australia's Illicit Firearms Working Group.

But he insists the results of the week-long operation show law enforcement innovation is keeping pace with alleged criminals.

"The rise of 3D printing is a demand on policing that is seeing new boundaries being set," Det Supt Watson said

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