Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad arrested four people yesterday as part of an investigation into a syndicate allegedly involved in the trafficking of illicit firearms and drugs in Victoria.
Warrants were executed by police from the Illicit Firearms Squad, VIPER Taskforce and Westgate Divisional Response Unit at residential properties in Kingsville, Hoppers Crossing, Richmond and Williamstown, as well as at a commercial address in Laverton North.
A 37-year-old Kingsville man and a 49-year-old Altona man were arrested without incident in Laverton North with the assistance of the Special Operations Group.
A 36-year-old Richmond man was arrested at a property in Kingsville and a 45-year-old St Albans man was arrested at Melbourne Airport attempting to board a plan to Queensland.
All four were interviewed by police and charged as follows:
• The Kingsville man was charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, traffick large commercial quantity of 1,4-butanediol, dispose of a traffickable quantity of firearms, possess a traffickable quantity of firearms, handle stolen goods and deal with proceeds of crime;
• The Altona man was charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and traffick large commercial quantity of 1,4-butanediol;
• The Richmond man was charged with traffick methylamphetamine, prohibited person possess firearm and dispose of a category C firearm without a dealer's licence; and
• The St Albans man was charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, traffick large commercial quantity of 1,4-butanediol, dispose of a traffickable quantity of firearms, possess a traffickable quantity of firearms,possess 1,4-butanediol and possess false document to manufacture.
The Kingsville, Altona and St Albans men were remanded in custody, while the Richmond man was bailed, and all four will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
Police also seized a range of items from the properties, including:
• 1kg of methylamphetamine, 23L of 1,4-butanediol, $5000 cash, a stolen jetski, a stolen Holden Commodore, stolen registration plates and a crossbow from the Laverton North address;
• Ammunition, small quantities of methylamphetamine, cannabis and prescription drugs, a stolen motorcycle, a stolen Holden engine, and various other stolen goods including coins, stamps, laptops, iPads and drivers licences from the Kingsville address;
• Small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, firearm equipment and ammunition from the Hoppers Crossing address; and
• False registration plates from the Richmond address.
As part of the investigation, detectives had previously seized four firearms, as well as 25L of 1,4-butanediol and 280gm of methylamphetamine.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Amanda Cohen:
"This was a significant investigation involving detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad and the Westgate Divisional Response Unit resulting in the arrest of four people we will allege have been trafficking firearms and drugs.
Yesterday's warrants also led to a range of seizures, including drugs, firearms, cash and weapons, as well as a large amount of stolen goods.
It also highlights the common connection we often see with illicit firearms and drugs, both of which cause our community immense harm.
The Illicit Firearms squad will continue to target those engaged in this offending and encourage anyone who has further information about this activity to come forward and speak to police."
