Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad charged a man overnight and seized six firearms as part of an investigation into the possession of a traffickable quantity of firearms.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, four search warrants were executed yesterday at two residential addresses in Brunswick West and Gladstone Park and two storage facilities in Coolaroo and Epping.
A 30-year-old Brunswick West man was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess traffickable quantity firearms, possess ammunition and possess drugs of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 December.
A pen pistol and bags containing a white crystal substance were seized from the Brunswick West address.
Investigators located a box containing five handguns and various calibres of ammunition at the Epping facility and three fraudulent number plates at the Coolaroo storage facility.
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.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, Illicit Firearms Squad:
“Victoria Police will be relentless in our efforts to remove dangerous weapons from the wrong hands and keep our community safe.
“These weapons can be deadly, and they are prohibited for a reason. The seizure of six firearms is significant – the community can rest assured we will continue to target those engaged in this type of offending, hold those involved to account and reduce firearm related crime.”
