Detectives from the Drug & Firearm Squad and the Metropolitan Region have charged 12 people as part of an operation targeting the unlawful possession of illicit firearms in the Perth metropolitan area.
Over the 3-day period of Tuesday 1 September 2020 to Thursday 3 September 2020 detectives executed 15 search warrants across the Perth metropolitan area. The search warrants resulted in the following items being seized:
– 13 firearms, including a homemade torch firearm
– Approximately 1,600 rounds of ammunition
– 24 assorted weapons including double-edged machetes, ASP batons, OC spray, throwing stars and slingshots.
– 6 stolen motor vehicles
As a result of the operation 12 people have been charged with a total of 26 offences, including unlawful possession of firearms.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt FROUDE, Officer in Charge of the Drug & Firearm Squad, said community safety was a driving force behind the operation.
“Illicit firearms pose a significant threat to the community, particularly when they fall into the hands of serious and organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“This particular operation focussed on people in the metropolitan area who our intelligence holdings suggested were in possession of illicit firearms. By removing those firearms from the community now we reduce the risk of seeing those firearms being involved in serious crimes.
“We will continue to work with local police and specialist units such as the Tactical Response Group and Gang Crime Squad to target persons involved in the illicit firearm trade and keep the WA community safe.”
