Law enforcement agencies across Australia and New Zealand have joined forces and seized 603 firearms during a week of coordinated action to crackdown on illicit firearms and remove them from the streets.
Operation Athena brings together police from every Australian state and territory, New Zealand and a range of federal agencies, to disrupt firearms trafficking, target criminal networks and prevent weapons from reaching the hands of offenders.
Participating federal agencies included the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Home Affairs and Australian Defence Force.
The national week of action ran from 19 to 25 October, with agencies working together to identify targets, execute 221 search warrants, conduct 295 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches and carry out 1257 firearm storage inspections.
As well as the 603 whole firearms seized, nationally, police recovered:
- 1479 firearm parts, accessories and magazines
- 61 privately manufactured or 3D printed firearms
- 1207 privately manufactured or 3D printed firearm parts
- 808 gel blasters or imitation firearms.
In Victoria, 115 firearms, 166 firearm parts and 10 imitation firearms were seized during the week.
Fifty people were arrested, and 243 charges were laid across the state.
Illicit Firearms Squad detectives, in partnership with Australian Border Force, conducted a joint operation in Pakenham on 21 October following intelligence relating to the importation of firearm manufacturing components.
Police executed a search warrant and seized 41 exhibits, including homemade firearms, a 3D printer, firearm parts and ammunition.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with 12 offences including possessing a large traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, manufacturing a handgun without a licence, possessing firearm parts and equipment for the manufacture of firearms, possessing a suppressor, and possessing ammunition without a licence.
Victoria Police also conducted 140 firearm storage compliance checks and issued 16 Firearm Prohibition Orders.
Detective Acting Superintendent Julie Macdonald from Victoria Police said the week of action demonstrated the impact of law enforcement agencies working collectively to address illicit firearms.
"Illicit firearms pose a serious threat to community safety, and tackling their trafficking and use remains a key priority for Victoria Police and our law enforcement partners.
"Removing 603 firearms nationally, including 115 in Victoria, is a significant result, and every firearm taken out of illicit circulation represents a potential reduction in harm to the community.
"These weapons can be linked to some of the most serious and violent offending. Preventing firearms from reaching the hands of criminals is critical to reducing the risk of firearm-related harm.
"This week has demonstrated the value of strong intelligence sharing and cooperation between police and federal agencies. No single jurisdiction can address the illicit firearms market alone.
"We will continue working with our partners to disrupt the supply of illicit firearms, remove weapons from the streets and hold offenders to account."
Quotes attributed to Tasmania Police Inspector Troy Morrisby, chair of the National Illicit Firearms Working Group.
"This operation reinforces that illicit firearms remain one of the most significant threats to public safety.
"The rise of privately manufactured firearms and 3D-printed weapons is changing the landscape, providing criminals with alternative pathways to acquire illicit firearms.
"The collective achievements of police and law enforcement agencies across Australia and New Zealand this week demonstrate the power of multi-agency partnerships, intelligence-led policing and a shared determination to disrupt those who seek to manufacture, traffic, and use these weapons to threaten community safety.
"We believe the results this week send a clear message that those involved will be identified and targeted."
Nationally, 221 search warrants were executed, 207 people were arrested and 941 charges were laid.
Of the 603 whole firearms seized nationally, 115 were seized in Victoria, 54 in New South Wales, 52 in South Australia, 84 in Queensland, 114 in Western Australia, 81 in the Northern Territory and 13 in Tasmania. Other participating agencies also contributed to the national total.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms about is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
