Police have targeted a number of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members and other serious offenders across Wellington and East Gippsland this week as part of a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) operation.
As part of the operation, detectives from Wellington and East Gippsland Investigations and Response Units, VIPER Taskforce, Echo Taskforce, and Eastern Region Crime Squad issued seven new FPOs and conducted 16 compliance checks on those already subject to a FPO.
Among those targeted throughout the operation were local Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Club (OMCG) members, their associates, and other individuals with a history of serious violence.
Over the course of the operation, police arrested 12 people, including one offender who was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, and other offenders connected to possession of illicit drugs, prohibited weapons and stolen property.
Police also seized:
- Approximately 10 grams of methylamphetamine, worth approximately $5,000.
- One pound of cannabis worth approximately $2,500, and other illicit substances including Xanax and steroids.
- One stolen motorcycle,
- Prohibited weapons and cash
Among those arrested was a 20-year-old male from Bairnsdale. On Wednesday 9 November, police executed a search warrant at his property, where they uncovered 10 grams of methylamphetamine. He has been charged with trafficking of methylamphetamine. He has been bailed and will appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 22 February 2023.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are a legislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.
The charges relating to FPOs include up to 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued more than 1600 FPOs across the state.
Quotes attributed to Acting Inspector Mark Rossiter, Wellington and East Gippsland, Investigation and Response, Tasking and Coordination Manager.
"Firearm Prohibition Orders serve as a powerful tool to hold certain individuals accountable when it comes to the use of illicit firearms."
"The safety of the community is our priority and make no mistake - we will continue to come down hard on individuals who illegally access, use and store firearms.
"Any person subject to a FPO considering possessing a firearm is playing a very dangerous game of roulette. Victoria Police is regularly performing compliance checks on these people and if caught, the consequences are severe - up to 10 years in prison."
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Leigh Howse from Viper Taskforce:
"OMCGs remain a national issue - and this operation sends a clear message to individuals who think they can get away with undertaking illegal activity in regional towns like Bairnsdale.
"Organised crime groups looking to gain a foothold in regional towns should think again. Local police and specialist units such as VIPER will continue to make the lives of anyone seeking to profit from serious criminal activity as difficult as possible.
"VIPER Taskforce will continue to show up unannounced on these people's doorsteps, pull them over on the roads, and arrive at their clubhouses uninvited."
