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 are compliant, and to further reduce harm in Melbourne’s southeast.
A series of warrants and Firearm Prohibition Order (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.
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
• Laid approximately 50 charges
• 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
• Seized large quantities of drugs, including MDMA, GHB and cannabis.
Among those arrested:
• 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 traffickable 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 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.
Quotes attributable to Greater Dandenong Tasking and Co-Ordination Acting Inspector Brett Skurka:
“While it was pleasing to see many of those subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order complaint with those orders, police still uncovered many illegal items, including a myriad of weapons such as machetes, cross bows and zombie knives.
“That’s why we will be relentless in our efforts to remove dangerous weapons from the wrong hands and keep our community safe.
“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.”
