Detectives from WA Police Force’s Drug and Firearm Squad have charged a 37-year-old man in relation to the manufacturing of firearms after a joint investigation conducted with Australian Border Force (ABF).
In December 2021, ABF officers intercepted two firearm suppressors (silencers) destined for an address in Cannington. As part of the subsequent investigation, information was shared with WA Police Force, via the Drug and Firearm Squad, who assessed intelligence holdings associated with a person at the intended delivery address.
On Tuesday 18 January 2022, ABF officers executed a Customs Act search warrant at a residence in James Street, Cannington with the support of detectives from WA Police Force’s Drug and Firearm Squad and Cannington Detectives.
It will be alleged a search of the property located the following items:
– 3 x firearms
– Approx. 1,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibre.
– An assortment of firearm parts, including magazines, suppressors, barrels, etc.
– Prohibited weapons (a crossbow, knuckle dusters and a cattle prod)
– A home-made improvised explosive device
– Assorted machinery and tools used for firearm manufacturing and modification
TRG Bomb Response Unit officers attended the residence and rendered the explosive device safe.
A 37-year-old man from Cannington has been charged by WA Police Force with:
– Unlicensed Manufacture of Firearms/Ammunition
– 2 x Possess Firearm with Circumstances of Aggravation
– Possession of contrivance known as a Silencer
– Unlicensed Person Possess Firearm/Ammunition
– 3 x Possessed a prohibited weapon
– Possessed Drug Paraphernalia
– Possess a Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine)
– Unlawfully Possessed a Controlled or Prescription Drug (Steroid)
He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday 16 February 2022 on the state offences outlined above and is next due to appear in the same court on Friday 22 April 2022. The investigation into the explosive device is ongoing.
In addition to the state charges, he will also be charged with two counts of unlawfully importing Tier 2 prohibited import goods for the firearm suppressors, under the Customs Act.
Detective Superintendent John Hutchison from WA Police Force’s Serious and Organised Crime Division said the interception made by Australian Border Force was crucial in validating existing intelligence holdings held by WA Police Force.
“The successful interception made by Australian Border Force not only provided the evidence required for ABF officers to conduct their search warrant, it added credibility to existing intelligence holdings held by WA Police Force and provided us with sufficient cause to join those ABF officers in their investigation.
“This partnered approach proved to be beneficial with WA Police Force’s presence at the search warrant streamlining the attendance of TRG Bomb Response Unit officers in response to the improvised explosive device and the collection of evidence for state-based firearm offence charges.
“The firearms and firearm parts seized could have been deadly if in the hands of the wrong people. This seizure, and the identification of the workshop, is a significant development in respect to community safety and highlights the outcomes being achieved through our close working relationships with Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence agencies.”
ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner West James Copeman said ABF officers had detected the firearm suppressors in a package marked as ‘fuel filters’.
“Criminals attempting to import these dangerous items across Australia’s borders should understand that our officers have the technology and the intelligence to detect and intercept them, no matter how well concealed,” Assistant Commissioner Copeman said.
“It is excellent to see the continued close cooperation amongst WA’s law enforcement agencies with an end result of a number of dangerous weapons being removed from the streets in Perth.”
/Public Release. View in full here.
