Police from the VIPER Taskforce yesterday charged two men and seized four firearms, ammunition, drugs and a stolen motorbike as part of an operation targeting illicit firearms.
Warrants were executed at two residential addresses in Sunshine North and Kings Park yesterday.
During the searches, police seized four firearms - including two handguns, a loaded rifle and a sawn-off shotgun stolen from a burglary in Lake Wendouree last year - a quantity of ammunition as well as various other firearm parts, cannabis, a stolen motorcycle, assorted gold jewellery, a stolen international passport and various other weapons.
A loaded handgun was located by a VIPER member hidden inside the body of a vacuum cleaner, which was searched after police became suspicious of the cleanliness of it.
A 39-year-old Sunshine North man was charged with possess traffickable quantity firearms, trafficking firearms, manufacturing firearms and various drug possession related charges.
A 52-year-old Sunshine North man was charged with possess traffickable quantity firearms, trafficking firearms and manufacturing firearms.
The duo was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Street, VIPER Taskforce:
"Any firearm seizure is satisfying because it has an immediate impact on community safety.
"Taking these weapons out of the hands of criminals means they can't be used to inflict further harm or commit further serious offences.
"These results also highlight how often we see firearms offences occurring in conjunction with drug offences.
"VIPER Taskforce will continue to target this activity and I urge anyone with information about illicit firearms or drugs to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers."
