Police have seized more than 20 illegal weapons and laid approximately 50 drugs and weapons charges in a dedicated operation aimed at ensuring those subject to Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPO) are compliant, and to further reduce harm in Melbourne’s southeast.
A series of warrants and FPO checks were conducted across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia between 10-14 June, with police removing drugs and several dangerous and illegal weapons from the hands of people already known to police.
Greater Dandenong Tasking and Co-Ordination Acting Inspector Brett Skurka said that police will be relentless in their efforts to remove dangerous weapons from the wrong hands and keep the community safe.
Local police, including the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Crime Investigation Units and Youth Gang Team, were supported by the VIPER Taskforce.
Over the course of the week, police conducted 37 FPO compliance checks, arrested seven people and laid approximately 50 charges.
Police seized more than 20 prohibited weapons, including three firearms and imitation firearms, machetes, a medieval sword, a knife with shooting blades, a dagger, cross bows, batons and OC spray, they also found large quantities of drugs, including MDMA, GHB and cannabis.
Acting Inspector Skurka said that while it was pleasing to see many of those subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order compliant with those orders, Police still uncovered many illegal items.
“These weapons can be deadly, and they are prohibited for a reason. My message to anyone who has an FPO is to adhere to it all times. We are consistently targeting this type of offending, and you never know when to expect a knock at your door.”
Among those arrested was a 31-year-old man was arrested at a home in Lang Lang, where officers seized several prohibited weapons, including three firearms, two imitation firearms, hand grenade fireworks, two cross bows, a machete, a dagger, medieval sword and a significant amount ammunition.
Police also allegedly uncovered trafficable quantities of GHB and cannabis, as well as steroids and counterfeit money.
Jewellery and identification documents believed to have been stolen were also seized.
The man was charged with 22 offences, including three counts of possess prohibited weapon without exemption or approval, eight counts of possess cartridge ammunition without licence or permit, possess explosive substance on authorised premises, possess counterfeit money, possess precursor chemical, traffick Butanediol, and resist emergency worker.
He was remanded to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 July.
A 28-year-old man was also arrested in a caravan on Raisell Road, Cranbourne West, and was allegedly found in possession of a large zombie knife, and quantities of MDMA and steroids. The man was charged and bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 September.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
