Law enforcement agencies across Australia have seized 475 firearms last week as part of a national week of action.
Operation Athena is designed to target the trafficking and use of illicit firearms throughout Australia and involves all policing jurisdictions as well as a number of Federal agencies including Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence commission, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Defence Force.
This year's week of action ran from 26-30 August.
In Victoria 91 firearms were seized, 12 people were arrested and 44 charges were laid across the week. This included:
• A 51-year-old Brooklyn man charged re the trafficking of two firearms and a hydroponic cannabis set up located at his property;
• A 54-year-old Kangaroo Flat man has his firearms licensed suspended and four weapons and a quantity of ammunition seized;
• Police discovered a quantity of ice at the address of a 50-year-old Mickelham man during the service of a Firearm Prohibition Order;
• Two imitation firearms were seized from the property of a 42-year-old Bairnsdale man;
• A 57-year-old Koyuga man will be charged after a silencer was located at his address; and
• A 44-year-old Melton man was arrested by the Special Operations Group as part of an ongoing firearms investigation.
Police also served 10 new Firearms Prohibition Orders and conducted a number of searches in relation to existing orders.
A number of operational activities within Victoria arose from information provided as part of the current illicit firearms campaign run in conjunction with Crime Stoppers Victoria.
National chair of Operation Athena, Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham from the Victoria Police State Anti-Gangs Division, said the trafficking and use of illicit firearms remains a key law enforcement issue across Australia.
"Firearms-related violence is one of the most significant issues we face and we understand there is immense community concern when it comes to these weapons," he said.
"As we know, illicit firearms have traditionally been used in a range of violent crimes such as murder, shootings causing serious injuries, armed robbery, threats to kill, and extortion.
"Partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies are key because firearms related crime is not only a problem here in our own jurisdiction, it's an issue nationally and a key part of this is reducing the flow of weapons into our state or country.
"The community should be reassured we are getting results - we're arresting people and charging them with serious offences, and we are continuing to seize illicit firearms from criminals every week.
"The results from the week of action not just in Victoria but right across the country are testament to the work that's being done by a number of agencies to target those involved with the trafficking and use of illicit firearms, and try and prevent fyurtehr harm to our communities."
AUSTRAC National Manager Intelligence Partnerships Brad Brown said "In support of our law enforcement partners, AUSTRAC conducted targeted analysis of financial transactions and suspicious financial activity relating to illicit firearms."
ABF Commander Graeme Grosse said the results highlighted the excellent working relationship between state, federal and international partners and their efforts to combat the scourge of illegal firearms.
"Our clear message is do not attempt to import firearms, parts or accessories without a proper permit. If you do, we will seize these items and pursue appropriate criminal charges. Under the Customs Act, possible charges include ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $525,000, or both," Commander Grosse said.
"The ABF is currently particularly focused on the attempted illegal import of suppressors, or silencers, into Australia. These items are highly restricted and have the potential to cause great community harm. ABF officers around the country are highly skilled in targeting suspect consignments and detecting firearm parts, no matter how they are concealed."
In South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, 14 warrants were executed by the ABF, in relation to the recent detection of suppressors at the border. A small number of additional items were seized including suppressors and unsecured ammunition and firearms. Investigations are ongoing, including the consideration of charges.
Across the country results in the below chart were recorded.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms about is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
