Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged a man and seized five firearms, 3D printers, firearm parts, ammunition, cash and various drugs of dependence as part of an investigation into the manufacture of firearms.
The investigation commenced at the beginning of July when police received information regarding suspicious transactions relating to firearms and firearm parts.
With the assistance of Caulfield Divisional Response Unit (DRU), two search warrants were executed on Monday, 14 July at a residential address in Bentleigh East and a storage facility in Cheltenham.
Police seized 50 items from the residential address including three firearms, a semi-automatic pistol, an imitation Colt 1911 possibly converted to fire live cartridge ammunition, two 3D printers, 3D printed handgun lower receivers, various commercially made firearm parts, a large quantity of ammunition in varying calibres, various drugs of dependence in varying forms and packaging, approximately $20,000 AUD, a South Australian Firearms Licence and various chemicals consistent with the manufacture of illicit drugs.
A further three firearms, including a privately made 3D handgun and two privately made 3D revolvers, numerous 3D printed handgun lower receivers, various commercially made firearm parts, a large quantity of ammunition in varying calibres, bags containing both blue and white crystal substances and a fraudulent South Australian Firearms Licence were seized from the storage facility.
A 30-year-old Bentleigh East man was charged with 27 offences, including:
- Manufacture firearm(s)
- Possess parts for manufacturing firearms
- Possess equipment for manufacturing firearms
- Possess traffickable quantity unregistered firearms
- Possess unregistered handgun
- Possess cartridge ammunition
- Traffick commercial quantity methylamphetamine
- Possess proceeds of crime
- Make/use false document
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 6 October.
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:
"This investigation highlights the importance of intelligence provided to police. We've said it before, but information provided by industry, members of the public, anyone - is invaluable, and we will always act upon it.
"If you see something suspicious, say something. It can always be reported anonymously via the Crime Stoppers online platform.
"We continue to work with firearms dealers to ensure reporting of any suspicious transactions or any attempts to purchase firearms or parts outside of the registered firearms licence holder's categories."
