Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have descended on 17 addresses subject to Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) today, seizing a loaded shotgun, ammunition, explosives, various drugs and cash.
Targeting FPO holders, the activity forms part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearms use across the state and also included police members from across all Crime Command units.
Seventeen searches were executed on Wednesday 29 March with illicit items allegedly seized at seven of those addresses, including;
• A 27-year-old Dandenong North woman was arrested after police located a loaded shotgun, ammunition and explosives at the address. She is expected to be charged on summons.
• Cannabis plants were seized from addresses in Cranbourne East and Melton West.
• Approximately 200grams of what appears to be methylamphetamine and a significant quantity of cash were seized from an address in Bonbeach.
• A 43-year-old Melbourne man is expected to be charged on summons after a prohibited weapon was found at his address.
• Blank drivers licences and imprinting machines were seized at an address in Darley, and
• A quantity of prescription drugs and a quantity of white powder were seized at a Delahey address.
Two previous searches were carried out on Thursday 23 March at residential addresses in Wedderburn and Arnold.
A 68-year-old Wedderburn man was charged with possess firearm related items (a scope and ammunition).
He was bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 6 May.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are a legislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.
The charges relating to FPOs include up to 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 1800 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan, Illicit Firearms Squad:
“Firearms related violence is one of the most significant issues we face, however the majority of what are seeing involves targeted attacks between criminals.
“Victoria Police is tackling this issue from all sides – strong enforcement, targeted disruption, a focus on intelligence gathering and working with government to strengthen legislative powers.
“The implementation of the Illicit Firearms Squad in 2020, complemented by the creation of the VIPER Taskforce in 2022, has given an increased focus on illicit firearms related offending.
“In 2021-22, Victoria Police seized a record 934 illicit firearms and there is no doubt that some of those seizures have prevented people being seriously injured or even killed.”
