Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged a man overnight and seized a disassembled semi-automatic handgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, an unfinished firearm barrel, four samurai swords and a 3D printer in Cranbourne East.
The investigation commenced following intelligence from Project Adestria - a joint venture between Australian Federal Police's Forensic Intelligence, the Australian Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and Australian Border Force to identify and disrupt illicit firearms activities.
A warrant was executed at a residential property in Cranbourne East on Friday morning (27 October).
A 21-year-old Cranbourne East man was charged with manufacture firearm, possess items for manufacturing firearms, possess general category handgun, possess cartridge ammunition and possess prohibited weapon.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 13 March, 2024.
During the search, police located a disassembled FGC-9 privately made semi-auto handgun, a Baikal 12 gauge shotgun, various cartridge ammunition (12 gauge, 9mm and .22), an unfinished firearm barrel, four samurai swords and a 3D printer with filament.
The man is a licensed firearms owner and as a result of the current investigation, this license has been suspended.
Police would like to remind licensed firearms owners to be aware of the legislation with regards to the importation and distribution of firearms parts.
Further information is available on the Victoria Police website: Importing and exporting firearms (police.vic.gov.au)
Victoria Police undertakes a range of compliance and enforcement activities to ensure those with firearm licences are complying with the conditions their licence.
Anyone caught breaching the conditions of their licences or failing in their obligations can expect to have their authority cancelled and to be charged or issued with penalty notices.
The Illicit Firearms Squad is based within Victoria Police's Crime Command and targets the manufacture, trafficking and use of illicit firearms across Victoria.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
