VIPER Taskforce arrested six people and seized various firearms parts and controlled weapons over the weekend as part of an operation targeting Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) holders in the state’s west.
Police executed seven FPO searches on subjects living in Echuca, Rochester, Kyabram, California Gully and North Bendigo on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July.
During the searches, police seized a Ford Falcon previously reported stolen from Ballarat on 22 July, a bayonet, a rifle scope, three gel blaster firearms, rounds of ammunition, controlled weapons, a significant quantity of cash and various drugs of dependence, including methylamphetamine, cannabis, and prescription drugs.
A 49-year-old Echuca man was charged with a range of firearms and drug offences.
He was bailed to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on 27 July.
A 52-year-old Kyabram man was charged with theft of motor vehicle and possess proceeds of crime.
A 32-year-old Kyabram man was charged with possess drug of dependence.
The duo was bailed to front Echuca Magistrates’ Court on 15 November.
A 35-year-old Echuca woman was issued with a cannabis caution, a 28-year-old Rochester woman was issued with a drug diversion and a 24-year-old North Bendigo woman was released pending further enquiries.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Ellway, VIPER Taskforce:
“This is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state.
“Those living in regional areas shouldn’t feel more comfortable. If you are involved in gang related or organised criminal activity anywhere in Victoria, you are not out of our reach. We can and will target you.
“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm – if they want to roll the dice they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.
“Today’s enforcement sends a clear message – police will use every power they have to prevent you from causing harm to our communities.”
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 resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are an integral enforcement tool that provides police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant – 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1550 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
