Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have arrested two people and seized an illicit firearm as part of an investigation into a shooting in St Arnaud earlier this year.
With assistance from local police in the Western Region, police executed warrants at two residential properties in St Arnaud last Thursday 28 August.
During the search, police located a loaded privately manufactured handgun, as well as firearm parts and cartridge ammunition.
A significant amount of cannabis was also seized by police.
A 21-year-old St Arnaud man and a 55-year-old St Arnaud man were arrested and interviewed by police.
The 21-year-old man will be charged with non-prohibited person possess firearms, possess ammunition and possess drugs of dependence.
He will face the St Arnaud Magistrates Court on 25 September 2025.
The 55-year-old man will be charged on summons for possession of drugs of dependence and hinder/resisting police.
He will face the St Arnaud Magistrates Court at a later date.
Police are investigating whether this firearm may be linked to a shooting at a property on Kings Avenue in St Arnaud on Monday 28 July - which left a 40-year-old St Arnaud man with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury to his upper body.
A 37-year-old man was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally cause injury, common law assault, use firearm contrary to firearms prohibition order, theft of motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene a conduct condition of bail.
It's alleged the incident was targeted, with both parties known to each other.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
