Illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs have been seized, and ten people arrested, as police conducted almost 50 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) checks across Melbourne’s south-east.
During Operation Relentless, investigators attached to the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from VIPER Taskforce, the Public Order Response Team and the Dog Squad – knocked on the doors of 47 homes across the Kingston and Glen Eira Bayside area between Monday 9 and Friday 13 October.
Police seized a handgun, a handmade firearm, machetes and edged weapons, quantities of amphetamine, cannabis, and a significant amount of ammunition, as well as stolen goods, resulting in the arrests of ten people.
Items of note include:
• Detectives and the Dog Squad arrested a 41-year-old Cranbourne man in Highett, after a firearm was allegedly produced. He sustained a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, which is not life-threatening. He has since been charged with family violence offences, and enquiries continue into the firearms incidents.
• A handmade firearm, along with a significant amount of ammunition, was seized from a home of a resident who is subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order in Caulfield South, along with a significant amount of ammunition. Enquiries continue into the manufacture of the firearm.
• Two machetes were seized from a property in Parkdale. Enquiries continue.
• A 20-year-old woman was charged on summons after police allegedly located two prohibited weapons, including a dagger, at a home in Clayton.
• A handgun was located at a unit in Aspendale. A 42-year-old man, who was the subject of an FPO, was arrested at the scene and charged with prohibited person possess firearm. He was bailed to appear in Moorabbin Magistrate’s’ Court on 8 April 2024.
Several people – who are subject to Firearms Prohibition Orders – are expected to be charged with failing to inform police of a change of address.
FPO compliance checks will continue to be conducted at random intervals, and further arrests are expected as part of Operation Relentless.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant David Quirk:
“In recent times, we have witnessed a number of devastating incidents involving firearms within our community, leading to death and serious injury.
“While we know these incidents are overwhelmingly linked to organised crime, a small number have played out in public places in front of the community.
“Operations such as these target those who have been prohibited from possessing a firearm, including organised crime figures, outlaw motorcycle gang members, and people with a history of violence. violence.
“As its name suggests, police are relentless in their efforts to remove firearms, imitations, and ammunition from the wrong hands, and make the community safer for everyone.
“Anyone who breaches their firearms prohibition order can expect a visit from us, and to be held accountable for putting others in harm’s way.”
