Man arrested as part of firearms investigation in Narre Warren North

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Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad seized a range of firearms parts during a warrant in Narre Warren North this week as part of an investigation into the importation of prohibited items.

The warrant was executed with the assistance of the Australian Border Force at a residential property on Tuesday, 10 October.

During the search, police located four extended capacity magazines for a handgun and a firearm chassis for a handgun.

These items are prohibited under the Firearms Act 1996 as they are capable of converting a handgun into a Category D firearm (semi-automatic).

A 41-year-old Narre warren North man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

He is a licensed firearms owner and as a result of the current investigation, this license has been suspended.

Seven registered firearms, including two handguns, were also subsequently seized.

Those firearms had been stored in compliance with the license requirements.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Police would like to remind licensed firearms owners to be aware of the legislation with regards to the importation and distribution of firearms parts.

Further information is available on the Victoria Police website: Importing and exporting firearms (police.vic.gov.au)

Victoria Police undertakes a range of compliance and enforcement activities to ensure those with firearm licences are complying with the conditions of their licence.

Anyone caught breaching the conditions of their licences or failing in their obligations can expect to have their authority cancelled and to be charged or issued with penalty notices.

The Illicit Firearms Squad is based within Victoria Police’s Crime Command and targets the manufacture, trafficking and use of illicit firearms across Victoria.

Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au