Police have seized 20 weapons and arrested almost a dozen people subject to Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) in just three days in Melbourne's southeast.
Conducting an average of 20 FPO compliance searches each day on people already known to authorities, police executed 61 warrants across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia between 11-13 February.
Local police - including the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Crime Investigation Units, and the Greater Dandenong Crime Reduction Team - were supported by the VIPER Taskforce.
Over three days, police:
• Conducted 61 FPO compliance checks
• Arrested 11 people
• Laid more than 40 charges
• Seized 20 prohibited weapons, including an imitation firearm, double-edged hunting knives, extendable batons, long batons, flick knives, a laser and OC sprays.
• Seized large quantities of drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, GHB and cannabis
• Recovered a Black Mazda CX9 in Noble Park, which had been stolen from Albert Park on 18 December 2024.
Among those arrested:
• A 56-year-old man was charged following a search warrant at a home in Dandenong South, where police allegedly seized 49 exhibits of various drugs, including methylamphetamine, heroin, 1,4 Butanediol and prescription medication. Police also located $2500 cash. He was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, heroin and 1,4 Butanediol, as well as seven counts of possessing drugs of dependence, two counts of handling stolen goods and three counts of possessing proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 20 May.
• A 36-year-old man was charged with possessing an imitation firearm without an exemption, and possessing methylamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication, following a compliance search in Keysborough. He was bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 21 May.
• A 39-year-old man was charged with possessing OC spray and cannabis at a search in Berwick. He was released with intent to summons.
• A 47-year-old man allegedly found in possession of an extendable baton at a home in Dandenong was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon. He was released with intent to summons.
• A 56-year-old Beaconsfield woman was given a drug diversion for possessing methamphetamines.
Six others were arrested on outstanding warrants in relation to contravening a final intervention order, obtain property by deception, contravening a community corrections order, and failing to answer bail.
Additionally, five people were identified as failing to notify police of a change to their address.
Similar operations will be conducted in the future.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
