VIPER Taskforce detectives have arrested a man and seized firearms and ammunition following the service of a firearms prohibition order in Diggers Rest yesterday.
The 29-year-old man has been charged with numerous offences including:
• possession of a general category handgun (x2)
• shorten barrel of longarm (x2)
• possession of ammunition
• possess dangerous article
• possess a prohibited weapon
• deal property suspected proceeds of crime, and
• commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
The charges follow a search of a vehicle and residence in Clacy Street on Sunday 10 September about 10am.
Detectives seized several items including, two sawn-off rifles, quantity of ammunition, a holster, bayonet and alleged spike tool.
Investigations have revealed one of the firearms was stolen during a burglary at a rural property in Burnewang in May last year.
The Diggers Rest man has been remanded in custody to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 11 September.
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
