Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged a man and seized 59 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and firearm parts, four swords and various quantities of drugs of dependence as part of an investigation into the possession and manufacturing of unregistered firearms.
A warrant was executed at a residential address in Cranbourne West on Thursday, 18 April, however, the occupant was interstate at the time.
As a result, the following was seized:
• 59 firearms, including six shotguns, 28 rifles, five flintlocks, seven handguns (both revolvers and semiautomatic), eight privately made firearms and five imitation firearms,
• What appears to be thousands of rounds of ammunition,
• Large quantities of various firearm parts, including boxes of stocks, barrels, magazines, triggers, guards and other parts,
• Four swords,
• Plans and schematics for firearm manufacture,
• A small hydroponic set up of approximately 20 cannabis plants, and
• Various small quantities of drugs of dependence, including what appear to be 1,4-Butanediol, cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, methylamphetamine, Viagra and other prescription medication.
A notice of suspension of a firearm licence was served on the 39-year-old Cranbourne West man.
The man was then arrested on Friday, 3 May when he returned to Victoria.
He was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with a range of offences, including:
• Possess traffickable quantity of firearms,
• Manufacture cat A or B longarm without a licence,
• Manufacture general category handgun without a licence,
• Possess parts for manufacture, cat A or B longarm without a licence,
• Possess parts for manufacture, gen cat handgun without a licence,
• Handle stolen goods,
• Fail to store cartridge ammunition correctly,
• Possess imitation firearm,
• Possess prohibited weapon,
• Cultivate cannabis,
• Possess cannabis,
• Possess 1,4-Butanediol,
• Possess ecstasy,
• Possess drug of dependence - prescription drug (Viagra),
• Possess drug of dependence - drescription drug (Pregabolin),
• Possess cocaine, and
• Possess methylamphetamine.
The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today (Monday, 6 May).
Police would like to remind licensed firearms owners to be aware of the legislation with regards to the storage of their firearms.
Further information is available on the Victoria Police website: Firearm storage | Safekeeping of guns and firearms | Victoria Police
Victoria Police undertakes a range of compliance and enforcement activities to ensure those with firearm licences are complying with the conditions their licence.
Anyone caught breaching the conditions of their licences or failing in their obligations can expect to have their authority cancelled and to be charged or issued with penalty notices.
Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers have recently joined forces in a new campaign aimed at removing illegal firearms from the Victorian community.
The campaign, 'Say Something Before It's Too Late,' raises awareness about the dangers of illegal firearms and urges the public to protect themselves and those around them by reporting what they know to Crime Stoppers.
Recent efforts by Victoria Police resulted in more than 1,500 illegal firearms removed from the hands of criminals in 2023.
The introduction of the Illicit Firearms Squad in 2020 and the VIPER Taskforce in 2022 has enhanced Victoria Police's ability to combat illegal firearms-related offending, particularly concerning serious and organised crime.
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
