Police from the VIPER Taskforce have seized two more firearms as part of an investigation into illicit firearms and drug trafficking in Melbourne’s north west.
Warrants were executed at properties in Rocklyn and Melton South on 20 December, with police locating a number of items at the two residential addresses.
This included a pistol, gel blaster imitation firearm, air rifle, ammunition, cannabis, hallucinogenic plants and knives.
A 46-year-old Rocklyn woman was arrested and subsequently charged with possess firearm and cultivate cannabis. She has been bailed to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 20 March, 2023.
A 19-year-old man and a 18-year-old woman, both from Melton South, were interviewed by police and are expected to be charged at a later date.
Yesterday’s arrests and seizures follow warrants in St Albans on 13 December where VIPER members and local police seized a shotgun, firearm parts, ammunition, samurai swords and drugs.
A 48-year-old St Albans man was subsequently charged with firearm and drug offences.
A 47-year-old Melton South woman and a 40-year-old Maryborough man were also interviewed by police.
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.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:
“This is another great result where we are seeing illicit firearms and drugs being seized, as well as a range of weapons such as swords and knives.
“It also highlights the commitment of VIPER Taskforce to ensuring these weapons can’t do any further damage to the community by taking them out of the hands of criminals.”
