Police conducting a routine patrol at a Southbank casino have ensured there is now one less firearm on the streets following an arrest on Sunday morning.
Officers from the Public Order Response Team were on patrol in the casino carpark when they spotted a man sitting in the driver’s seat of a white Hyundai about 3.45am on 24 January.
They approached and spoke with the man, who was subject to a current Firearm Prohibition Order, and a search of his vehicle was conducted.
The search allegedly located a sawn-off double barrel shotgun, ammunition and a substance believed to be cocaine.
Further checks revealed the car was allegedly an outstanding stolen vehicle, last seen in Kooyong Road, Caulfield on 16 December 2020.
The 38-year-old Melton South man was arrested at the scene in relation to the items seized and the vehicle.
He has been charged with a range of offences, including:
• Prohibited person possess a firearm;
• Possess firearm – contravene prohibited order;
• Possess loaded firearm in a public place;
• Shorten barrel of longarm;
• Possess cartridge ammunition without license/permit;
• Possess cocaine;
• Theft of motor vehicle;
• Handle stolen goods;
• Use vehicle displaying misrepresentation of number plate;
• Commit indictable offence whilst on bail; and
• Contravene conduct of bail conditions.
The man faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was remanded to appear again on 9 February.
