Detectives from Northwest Metro Crime Squad have seized a significant amount of illicit firearms as part of an investigation.
Investigators intercepted and arrested a man on Bayview Terrace around 7.30am yesterday.
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun and silencer and quantities of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine and GHB.
A warrant was executed at a property on Union Road in Ascot Vale where a further 10 firearms, quantities of ammunition, a machete, sword, items used in the manufacture of firearms including a 3D printer were seized.
A secondary warrant was executed at a property on Narvik Avenue in St Leonards where items such as firearms parts and a quantity of fireworks was also seized.
The 49-year-old Ascot Vale man has been charged with offences including:
• Possession of a trafficable quantity of firearms
• Prohibited person possess a firearm x11
• Manufacturing a general category handgun without licence
• Possess Firearm Part - Manufacture Category E Handgun
• Possess Firearm Part - Manufacture General Category Handgun
• Possession of a loaded firearm in a public place
• Possession of cartridge ammunition without licence
• Possess methyl-amphetamine
• Possess 1-4 Butanediol
• Possess prohibited weapon
• Possess explosive substance
He will appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
This is a significant result by the regional crime squad team for the community, with a significant seizure of illicit firearms and disruption of further alleged criminal activity.
