A specialist taskforce last week deployed to western Victoria to target serious and organised crime figures wanted on warrants and with active firearm prohibition orders.
VIPER taskforce, supported by local detectives, travelled across the Portland, Hamilton, Camperdown and Warrnambool areas with outlaw motorcycle figures and networked offenders in their sights.
During the operation, officers conducted nine firearm prohibition order checks, executed three search warrants and checked more than 100 vehicles.
Key results include:
- A 24-year-old man who was arrested after a firearm prohibition order check in Camperdown located a machete and a quantity of methylamphetamine. The man is expected to be charged on summons with drug and weapons offences.
- Two men, aged 40 and 37, who were arrested during a search warrant in central Warrnambool. A range of allegedly stolen items were seized including E bikes, drones and power tools. The pair were charged with burglary and theft and remanded to appear at court on Monday 1 December.
- A 26-year-old man - who has an active FPO - is expected to be charged after police attended his listed address and discovered he had moved without alerting authorities.
- A search warrant in Portland last Thursday led to police seizing more than $6,000 in cash, illicit tobacco and a quantity of cannabis. Police are continuing to investigate, with arrests imminent.
While no firearms were located, the operation was about sending a clear message to those with FPOs, and a history of firearm offending, that they can be searched anytime by police.
During the operation, police also impounded two vehicles for driving whilst suspended and disqualified and issued 37 penalty notices for traffic offences including speeding, using a mobile device and drug driving.
Operation Nimbus ran across western Victoria from 25 - 28 November.
VIPER - a Melbourne-based taskforce - was established in July 2022 to target offenders involved in serious and organised crime at all levels.
Their targets include outlaw motorcycle gangs, Middle Eastern Organised Crime Groups, youth gangs and those involved in serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco activity.
They regularly deploy across the state to support local police with investigation tactics and enforcement actions, including FPOs.
FPOs are a valuable tool for police and remain in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition. They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers and shooting ranges.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant - 10 years' imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm or drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Asenjo, Investigation and Response Manager:
"FPOs are about making it as difficult as possible for criminals to access illicit firearms and also create even greater consequences if they do access, use or store firearms.
"We want those who are subject to an FPO to feel very real pressure and scrutiny when it comes to illicit firearms.
"This is not a once-off operation, and local police will continue to conduct FPO searches in the area.
"Expect us to knock on your door anytime."
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini, VIPER Taskforce:
"This operation is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state to support police in the regions.
"There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in the country, that is simply not true. Tackling regional crime is a priority for Victoria Police, and criminals need to understand there are no safe havens across our state. Just because you're in regional Victoria doesn't mean you aren't in our sights.
"Our message is clear: if you're involved in criminal activity, you will be caught by police and you will be held accountable."
