Arson and Explosives Squad detectives have today charged a fourth man as part of an investigation into the trafficking of firearms and illegal fireworks.
A 22-year-old Dallas man was charged with 26 offences, including possess explosive substance, transport explosive substance and possess proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
Police previously carried out searches at five properties in Craigieburn (2) and Campbellfield (3) in February, and a further three searches in Craigieburn (2) and Campbellfield in May.
Investigators seized approximately 350kg of commercial fireworks, prohibited weapons, a quantity of drugs, a quantity of cash, a stolen trailer and a motorbike.
In May, a 38-year-old Craigieburn man was charged with 95 offences, including 37 counts of possess explosive substance, possess traffickable quantity firearms, possess unregistered handgun, possess unregistered firearm, possess prohibited weapon and deal with property suspected proceeds of crime.
He was previously charged on 14 February with five charges, including possess explosives and sell explosives.
He will appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
A 34-year-old Craigieburn man was charged in February with a range of offences, including possess explosives.
He was bailed to face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
A 39-year-old Brunswick East man was released pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about illegal fireworks or illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Steve Soden, Arson and Explosives Squad:
“A large amount of illegal commercial fireworks were seized as a result of this operation.
“Commercial fireworks are classed as a type of explosive and banned for use by the general public because they are extremely dangerous in untrained hands.
“Alongside the risk of serious injury or death, fireworks are unpredictable and volatile items that can result in fires – both grassfires and bushfires – as well as causing substantial property damage.
“It has been a huge amount of work by the Arson and Explosives Squad – these seizures have prevented a great amount of possible harm to the community.
“This aptly demonstrates that Victoria Police will continue to target offenders who pose a risk to the community.
“The investigation doesn’t just stop after one result and you shouldn’t expect to go under the radar. We can and will target you.”
