Armed Crime Squad detectives have conducted 35 compliance searches, arrested three men and issued a further four Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearm use by organised crime groups across north-west Melbourne.
The operation, specifically targeting FPO holders in the area, was executed in two phases, and involved detectives from the Armed Crime Squad, Echo Taskforce, Gang Crime Squad, Vehicle Crime Squad, Illicit Firearms Squad, Public Order Response Team, North West Metro Regional Crime Squad and the dog squad.
Police conducted 35 FPO compliance searches on individuals currently banned from possessing a firearm and served four new FPOs to individuals deemed a serious public safety risk if they were to possess a firearm, including:
• A 34-year-old Moonee Ponds man
• A 40-year-old Bulleen man
• A 27-year-old Mill Park man, and
• A 37-year-old Craigieburn man
Detectives seized a range of items during the searches, including a dismantled firearm, an imitation firearm, a stolen car, and quantities of various drugs, including cocaine, cannabis and steroids.
Six searches were carried out on Wednesday, 20 April, with a further 29 searches on Tuesday, 3 May, including properties in Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Campbellfield, Dallas, Coolaroo, Broadmeadows, Caroline Springs, Glenroy, Epping, Lalor, Mill Park, Pascoe Vale, Strathmore, Altona North, Altona Meadows, Southbank, Brunswick, Sydenham and Deanside.
A 40-year-old Bulleen man was arrested on three outstanding warrants of apprehension for aggravated burglary and related matters.
A 33-year-old man from Craigieburn was arrested and will now be interviewed by police in relation to firearms offences and theft of a motor vehicle.
A 23-year-old Roxburgh Park man was charged with bail offences, possess a drug of dependence and possession of a schedule 4 poison. He was presented to Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court and convicted and fined.
The operation follows an increase in firearms incidents in the north west suburbs over the past few months, and investigators believe those incidents are both linked and targeted matters.
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 close to 1500 FPOs across the state.
Quotes attributed to Detective Acting Superintendent, Anthony Brown, State Anti-Gangs Division:
"Firearm Prohibition Orders serve as a powerful tool to hold certain individuals accountable when it comes to the use of illicit firearms.
"The operational work we are doing - these days of action - is about ensuring that those with firearms are held accountable for their criminal actions and demonstrating that police will actively work to disrupt their activities.
"Violent offenders who pose a serious risk to the community will be targeted.
"Firearms are being used often to target other entities or rival groups and this is about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm. If they want to roll the dice they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.
"Today's enforcement sends a clear message to organised crime groups and their associates - police will use every power we have to prevent you from causing harm to our communities."
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
