Detectives from Knox Crime Investigation Unit and Croydon Divisional Response Unit charged a man following the seizure of handguns, 3D printers and ammunition from Ferntree Gully and Scoresby yesterday.
Intelligence was received from the Australian Border Force (ABF) which led to an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms at a property in Orna Street in Ferntree Gully.
Investigators subsequently executed search warrants at the Ferntree Gully property, along with a storage facility in Scoresby, locating an array of firearm related items including:
- five firearms (long arms and handguns)
- firearm parts
- ammunition
- 3D printers allegedly used to manufacture firearm parts
- drugs of dependence
A 39-year-old Ferntree Gully man was taken into custody and charged with the following offences:
- manufacture general category handgun(s)
- import tier two goods (firearms barrel) contrary to the Customs Act
- possess trafficable quantity of firearms
- possess trafficable quantity of firearms
- possess unregistered longarm (x2)
- possess unregistered general category handgun (3D printed)
- possess unregistered longarm
- possess unregistered general category handgun (3D printed)
- possess prohibited weapon
- possess drug of dependence including DMT, Methylamphetamine, 1,4 Butanediol and Cannabis
- possess unregistered longarm
- possess unregistered general category handgun (3D printed)
- affray
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
Anyone with information on the manufacturing of firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
