Three men have been charged after police seized more than a dozen firearms and weapons from multiple properties in Melbourne’s north last week.
The trio – who have alleged links to organised crime syndicates – were being investigated by North West Metro Regional Crime Squad detectives in regard to illicit firearm trafficking.
During an extensive search of two factories in Broadmeadows on Friday detectives, with assistance from an AFP specialist forensic team, located:
• 13 firearms including pen pistols, handguns, and long arms
• Five imitation firearms
• Two firearm silencers
• Firearms parts
• Ammunition
• Weapons including nun chucks and a baton
• More than $540,000 cash and a cash counter
• A commercial quantity of methylamphetamine
• Quantities of cannabis, MDMA, cocaine and ketamine
Two men allegedly connected to the factories were arrested later that day.
A 54-year-old Gladstone Park man was charged with 15 offences including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing a handgun, ammunition, imitation firearm and silencer, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and commit indictable offence while on bail.
A 44-year-old Oak Park man was charged with 25 offences including trafficking firearms and possessing handguns, long arms, ammunition, imitation firearms and methylamphetamine.
Both men were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 February 2024.
The factory warrants followed a warrant at a residential property in Broadmeadows a day earlier where police arrested a 37-year-old man.
With assistance from a Dog Squad detection dog, police located and seized:
• A handgun in pieces
• Three handgun barrels
• A firearm slide
• Firearm parts
• Various types of ammunition rounds
• A quantity of methylamphetamine
• Seeds believed to be cannabis
• Three mobile phones
The Broadmeadows man was interviewed and later charged with possessing an unregistered handgun and ammunition, trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing cannabis and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He was remanded to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 8 December.
The firearm parts have been sent to Victoria Police’s Ballistics Unit for further analysis and if legitimate, investigators will look to upgrade the firearm charges to trafficking.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson:
“Recent public acts of aggression by organised crime syndicates have certainly got our attention.
“Our focus goes beyond these syndicates and includes their affiliates and networks – so know that just by connection the chances of your activities being detected has increased.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to remove firearms from the wrong hands and make them as difficult as possible to access, use or store.
“If you think you can get away with storing or hiding firearms for your counterparts – think again because it won’t be long until we’re knocking on your door.”
