Officers from the VIPER Taskforce have this afternoon charged a man after locating two handguns, as well as cash and illicit drugs at a property in Melbourne’s east.
With the assistance of the Special Operations Group, a search warrant was executed at a motel in Kew just after midday.
A 19-year-old man from Sydney was arrested and interviewed by police.
He has subsequently been charged with traffick commercial quantity cocaine, traffick methylamphetamine, traffick ecstasy, prohibited person possess handgun and knowingly deal proceeds of crime.
The man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday (11 September).
During the search, police located a handgun, an imitation revolver, a quantity of what appears to be cocaine, a quantity of cash and ammunition.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
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
