A Melbourne man, 32, was arrested and charged yesterday (23 June, 2023) with multiple offences relating to the alleged possession of illicit drugs, $100,000 cash and a loaded firearm.
The AFP executed a search warrant at the man's Rowville home today where police allegedly located and seized around 3kg of cocaine, 1kg of methamphetamine, cash, electronic devices, and a loaded handgun concealed within an ottoman located in a playroom.
It is suspected the significant amount of cash is the proceeds of crime.
The man, an alleged former Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) member, faced the Melbourne Magistrates court yesterday, charged with:
- Possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- Possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.8 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)
- Dealing in money reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9 of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
- Possess unregistered handgun, contrary to S.7B of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic).
He was remanded in custody and will reappear in court on 27 October, 2023.
Investigations are still ongoing and further charges may be laid.
AFP Detective Inspector Chris Salmon said keeping illicit firearms off the streets was a priority for the AFP and its state law enforcement partners, because of the dangers they posed to the community in the hands of criminals.
"This loaded firearm was found by police in a child's playroom, which is hard to imagine what may have occurred if a young person managed to find it," Detective Inspector Salmon said.
"This arrest should serve as a warning to anyone possessing an illicit firearm. This isn't just a case of alleged criminals possessing firearms to target each other - innocent bystanders, including family members are at serious risk of being harmed or killed.
"The AFP, along with its state law enforcement partners, are committed to take removing illicit drugs, cash and firearms from the hands of criminals and doing whatever we can to protect the community.
"We see daily the harm that imported drugs bring - not just the physical and health impacts on users, but the negative flow on effects to the broader community through other crimes."
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.
