Illicit Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man overnight and seized three homemade firearms, four imitation firearms, ammunition and explosives following an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms.
A warrant was executed at a residential address in Blackburn yesterday morning (Monday, 10 June).
A 57-year-old Blackburn man was charged with possess traffickable quantity firearms, manufacture general category handgun/category A longarm, possess unregistered general category handgun, category A longarm, possess cartridge ammunition, possess imitation firearm and possess explosive substance.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 20 November.
Investigators seized three privately made firearms - a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 bolt action handgun and an air rifle, four imitation firearms - two bolt action rifle gel blasters and two semi-automatic pistol gel blasters, as well as 20 boxes of assorted ammunition in various calibres and two containers of homemade black powder, believed to be an explosive substance.
A workshop with a large metal lathe was located under his residence which police will allege was utilised to manufacture the firearms.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
