Investigators from the Illicit Firearms Squad yesterday seized guns, drugs and firearm parts following an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms in Melbourne’s south.
Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad, Dandenong Divisional Response Unit and Casey Crime Investigation Unit executed search warrants at two Bayview Road properties in Tooradin at 6am on 13 January.
They subsequently seized two firearms and firearm parts, as well as a quantity of cannabis.
A 28-year-old Tooradin man was charged with possess general category handgun, possess cartridge ammunition and possess parts to manufacture firearms.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 June.
An 18-year-old man from Tooradin, already subject to a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO), was charged with FPO subject in possession of firearm, FPO subject in possession of firearm related item, prohibited person possess firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, cultivate cannabis and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He appeared before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Thursday afternoon and the matter is ongoing.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are an integral enforcement tool that provides police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant – 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1300 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
