Police from the VIPER Taskforce have seized a number of firearms, ammunition and drugs as part of three separate operations across Melbourne over the past week.
On 8 December, a 25-year-old Craigieburn man was located passed out in a stolen vehicle on Waler Street, Aintree.
The man was wanted as part of an investigation into a number of firearms offences and is alleged to be a patched member of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located a handgun.
A warrant was then executed by VIPER Taskforce at a Craigieburn address where police found a loaded sawn-off rifle, ammunition and a commercial quantity of drugs.
The man was subsequently charged by Melton Crime Investigation Unit with a range of offences, including firearm offences.
On 13 December, three firearms, a firearm barrel, ammunition and firearm blueprints were located as part of a VIPER taskforce investigation into firearms trafficking in the Frankston area.
A warrant was executed at a Frankston address with assistance from the ABF and Australian Federal Police and the weapons were seized along with drugs and other prohibited weapons.
A 38-year-old Frankston man has been charged with firearm and drug offences.
Also on 13 December, VIPER Taskforce members executed warrants at a St Albans address as part of an investigation into firearm and drug trafficking.
A shotgun, firearm parts, ammunition, samurai swords and drugs were seized from the property.
A 48-year-old St Albans man was subsequently charged with firearm and drug offences.
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.auExternal Link
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, VIPER Taskforce:
“Any firearm seizure is satisfying because it has an immediate impact on community safety.
“Taking these weapons out of the hands of criminals means they can’t be used to inflict further harm or commit further serious offences.
“These results also highlight how often we see firearms offences occurring in conjunction with drug offences.
“VIPER taskforce will continue to target this activity and I urge anyone with information about illicit firearms or drugs to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.”
