Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad charged a man overnight and seized four imitation firearms, knives, knuckle dusters, a sword, counterfeit money and various drugs following an investigation into drug and firearm trafficking.
Investigators located a 41-year-old Sydenham man in his vehicle in a Port Melbourne carpark around 8.45am yesterday morning (Thursday, 14 August).
A search of the vehicle located an imitation revolver, ten rounds of .38 special cartridge ammunition, a pistol magazine, a butterfly knife and a flick knife as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money.
The 41-year-old man was arrested and a search warrant was subsequently executed at his residential address in Sydenham.
Investigators seized over 30 items, including two imitation pistols, an imitation assault rifle, assorted cartridge ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sword, varying quantities of what appear to MDMA, methylamphetamine, testosterone and other pharmaceuticals, as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money.
The 41-year-old Sydenham man was charged with a total of 13 offences including prohibited person possess imitation firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, possess prohibited weapon, possess drug of dependence and possess counterfeit money.
He was bailed by the court to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 29 August.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, Illicit Firearms Squad:
"Replica or imitation firearms may sound like toys but they can cause undue stress to the community when used and possessing them is actually a very serious offence.
"They are of particular concern because they are often indistinguishable from the real thing, especially if used in a high-stress situation such as a burglary or robbery where a victim or witness believes they are real.
"They are prohibited weapons for a reason, and anyone found in their possession will have them seized and will be charged."
