Echo Taskforce detectives have seized a loaded firearm during the service of a number of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) targeting the Hells Angels Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG) this morning.
A 41-year-old Reservoir man, who is alleged to be the national president and a patched member of the Hells Angels, was served with an FPO and a search of his premises subsequently undertaken.
Police located a loaded handgun and a quantity of steroids at the address.
He has been interviewed by police and is expected to be charged shortly with the following:
• Prohibited person possess firearm;
• Possess hand gun;
• Failure to surrender firearm;
• Failure to surrender firearm related items;
• Possess cartridge ammunition;
• Possess Schedule 11 drugs of dependence;
• Possess Schedule 4 poison; and
• Commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
A 22-year-old Mickleham man and a 56-year-old Essendon man were also served with an FPO.
Both men are also patched members of the Hells Angels OMCG.
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 1000 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
