Cannington Detectives have charged a 72-year-old man in relation to the seizure of firearms, firearm parts and ammunition from a Willetton residence on Wednesday 9 June 2021.
The Willetton residence was searched as part of a broader operation targeting firearm, firearm manufacturing and other offences across the Cannington District.
It will be alleged more than 4,800 rounds of live and spent ammunition was located in a shed on the property. In addition to the ammunition, in the same shed tools and equipment used to prepare and reload ammunition was located, along with firearms and firearm parts including barrel rifling buttons, barrel chambering reamers and metal tubes (barrel blanks).
Of greatest concern was the discovery of detailed schematics of a sub-machine gun, along with a list parts and paperwork indicating some of the parts have been sourced.
The items were seized, along with nine registered firearms held by the resident. A list of the main seized items is provided as an appendix to this media release.
Given the nature of the items seized a review will be undertaken by the Licensing Enforcement Division in respect to the suitability of the accused to continue to hold a firearms license.
A 72-year-old man from Willetton has been charged with:
• 8 x Unlicensed Person Possess Firearm/Ammunition;
• Possess Firearm with Circumstances of Aggravation; and
• Failed to comply with firearm or ammunition storage requirements
He is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday 7 July 2021.
Acting Inspector Doug STJEPIC said the seizure is an important outcome for the local community.
“While there are no allegations that this particular person was involved in the selling of firearms, or any broader criminal networks – it does appear to be case where his interest in firearms has gone beyond what is legal and acceptable, and that in itself creates a risk for the community.
“Not only is it unlawful to be in possession of the unlicensed ammunition and firearm parts, there was a real risk that these items could have been stolen from where they were being stored and possibly end up in the hands of organised crime networks.
“We expect all firearm licence holders to do the right thing and only be in possession of the firearms they are approved to hold. By being in possession of the unlawful items this particular firearm license holder has now compromised their suitability to hold on to their license. That suitability will now be reviewed by our Licensing Enforcement Division.”
