A Clyde North man has been charged over his alleged role in manufacturing firearms and drugs following a Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF) investigation.
The Victorian JOCTF, comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF), executed search warrants at addresses in Clyde North and Narre Warren yesterday (16 July, 2026), as part of Operation Yalong. An investigation began following a referral from ABF involving intelligence on suspected illicit firearm activity.
During the search warrants, investigators allegedly seized two fully assembled FGC-9 firearms, five partially assembled FGC-9 firearms, ammunition, three pill press machines, knuckle dusters, fraudulent identification documents and bank cards, more than $6,500 in cash, components allegedly used in the manufacturing of weapons, a significant quantity of illicit pharmaceutical drugs, and seven firearm magazines.
Detectives also seized three mobile phones which will undergo further digital forensic analysis. Police allege the man, 34, who does not hold a valid firearms’ licence, imported firearm components and specialised tools and equipment from overseas for the purpose of manufacturing firearms and illicit pharmaceutical drugs in Australia.
The man was arrested at a Clyde North property and was subsequently charged with the following offences:
- One count of possess substance, equipment or instructions for commercial manufacture of controlled drugs, contrary to section 308.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is seven years imprisonment and/or $509,600 fine;
- One count of possess a traffickable quantity of firearms, contrary to section 7C(1) of the Firearms Act (Vic) 1996. The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment or $250,920 fine;
- One count of manufacturing a handgun without a licence, contrary to section 59A(2) of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment or $250,920 fine;
- Five counts of possess a drug of dependence, contrary to section 73.1 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment.
- Five counts of traffick a drug of dependence, contrary to section 71AC of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years’ imprisonment.
- One count of contravening a requirement in a section 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years imprisonment;
- One count of possess cartridge ammunition without licence, contrary to section 124(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $8,364 fine;
- One count of possess a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5AA of the Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment;
- One count of commit an indicatable offence while on bail, contrary to section 30B of the Bail Act 1977 (Vic). The maximum penalty for this offence is three months imprisonment;
He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (17 July, 2026).
The Victorian JOCTF is multi-agency partnership between the AFP, Victoria Police, ABF and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano said the investigation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led policing and strong partnerships across law enforcement agencies.
“Had authorities not disrupted this man’s alleged offending, dangerous weapons and harmful illicit drugs could have entered the black market and been used to facilitate further criminal activity”. Det Supt Imbriano said.
“This investigation demonstrates the capabilities and the close collaboration between agencies under the Victorian JOCTF to prevent illicit firearms and illicit drugs from reaching our communities.”
Victoria Police Detective Superintendent David Cowan, Organised Crime Division, said the seizure had significantly disrupted an alleged criminal enterprise.
“This is an important seizure that shows the willingness of traffickers to attempt to produce large amounts of illicit substances locally. It also highlights the link between drug trafficking and the potential for gun violence.” D/Supt Cowan said.
“One of the key drivers of firearms crime – particularly non-fatal shootings – is the illicit drug trade. Those who use violence or intimidation to commit crimes need to understand all aspects of their criminality will be addressed and that Victoria Police will take action.”
“Alongside our partners, we will continue making this state as hostile an environment as possible for anyone associated with the manufacture of illicit firearms or drugs.”
ABF Superintendent Ned Prastalo said ABF officers use a range of capabilities every day to identify prohibited and suspicious imports entering Australia.
“ABF officers working at airports, seaports and international mail gateways are highly trained to detect drugs and firearms and use a variety of tools, including intelligence and targeting, x‑ray screening and detector dogs,” Superintendent Prastalo said.
“In this matter, the collection of intelligence and collaboration with our law enforcement partners enabled investigators to uncover alleged criminal activity extending beyond the border and into the community.”
