Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce yesterday charged a man following a breach of an existing Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO).
With assistance from Swan Hill Criminal Investigation Unit and Mildura Divisional Response Unit, a search was carried out a Swan Hill property yesterday morning.
Police subsequently located firearm items and several drugs of dependence, including ammunition, a scope, methylamphetamine, LSD and cannabis.
A 32-year-old Swan Hill man was charged with possess firearm related item in contravention of FPO, commit indictable offence whist on bail and possess drug of dependence.
He was remanded to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on 8 November.
VIPER Taskforce had deployed to the Swan Hill area from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 October to assist Echo Taskforce and Western Region in monitoring the Outlaws Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) run.
Whilst deployed, VIPER also assisted Western Region police with a number of FPO compliance searches and search warrants.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, VIPER Taskforce:
“This is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state.
“Those living in regional areas shouldn’t feel more comfortable. If you are involved in criminal activity anywhere in Victoria, you are not out of our reach. We can and will target you.
“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm – if they want to roll the dice they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.
“This week’s enforcement sends a clear message – police will use every power they have to prevent you from causing harm to our communities.”
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.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant – 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1600 FPOs across the state.
