One man has been charged and a significant arsenal of weapons seized following an investigation into the alleged importation of items consistent with firearm manufacturing.
With assistance from the Australian Border Force (ABF), detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad executed a warrant at a residential address in Croydon North yesterday.
A number of weapons including two homemade firearms, swords, tasers, knuckle dusters, knives, ammunition and other firearm-related items were seized.
Police also located an alleged clandestine laboratory at the address and seized a range of explosive chemicals with the assistance of the Clandestine Laboratory Squad.
A 20-year-old Croydon North man was charged with manufacture category a firearm, possess traffickable quantity firearms, possess prohibited weapons and possess cannabis.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 5 June 2023.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mick Daly, Illicit Firearms Squad:
"This is a significant result for our investigators and demonstrates both our and the ABF's commitment to detecting and intercepting illicit firearms and parts.
"There is no doubt these weapons could have posed a significant risk to the community if they were not detected by our members as part of this investigation.
"Victoria Police will stop at nothing to track down and charge those involved in the use or manufacture of illicit firearms."
Quotes attributable to ABF Superintendent Uriah Turner, Regional Investigations:
"We work closely with Victoria Police and our other partner agencies to disrupt criminals seeking to obtain illegal firearms.
"This arrest is another great result and follows on from the success of Operation Athena earlier this year, which saw multiple law enforcement agencies carry out a national week of action targeting illegal firearms.
"The ABF is determined to stop illicit firearms ending up on Australian streets and we will continue to target people who attempt to import prohibited goods illegally across the border."
