Members from the VIPER Taskforce arrested two men overnight and seized firearms and ammunition as part of an investigation into the possession of firearms.
A search warrant was executed at a residential address in Park Orchards yesterday morning (Monday, 18 March).
Two loaded firearms, a handgun and a sawn-off shotgun, were located concealed within the house alongside ammunition and a small quantity of what appears to be cannabis.
Investigators believe one of the recovered firearms was stolen from an address in the Northern Territory.
The two men from Park Orchards, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, were both interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.
The firearms will now undergo forensic testing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers have recently joined forces in a new campaign aimed at removing illegal firearms from the Victorian community.
The campaign, ‘Say Something Before It’s Too Late,’ raises awareness about the dangers of illegal firearms and urges the public to protect themselves and those around them by reporting what they know to Crime Stoppers.
Recent efforts by Victoria Police resulted in more than 1,500 illegal firearms removed from the hands of criminals in 2023.
The introduction of the Illicit Firearms Squad in 2020 and the VIPER Taskforce in 2022 has enhanced Victoria Police’s ability to combat illegal firearms-related offending, particularly concerning serious and organised crime.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
