Police have charged a man following the location of improvised explosive devices at a residence in Ferntree Gully last week.
Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad, accompanied by investigators from the Australian Border Force, had been at the address to execute a warrant related to a separate firearms investigation when the suspect devices were located about 5pm on Thursday 7 July.
Officers from the Bomb Response Unit attended to assess the situation, which was later deemed safe.
A 34-year-old Ferntree Gully man was charged with a range of offences, including manufacture explosives, possess explosives, possess unregistered firearms, possess distress signals without reasonable excuse, possess ammunition without a licence and possess drugs of dependence (methylamphetamine and psilocybin).
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 13 August.
Police subsequently seized three pipe bombs, a range of explosives, three handguns, multiple other firearm parts and a cache of other prohibited weapons including swords, ninja stars and conducted energy devices.
The investigation commenced after the detection of an imitation firearm at the border by the Australian Border Force.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
