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 illicit firearm use by organised crime groups across Melbourne’s north-west.
A 27-year-old Mill Park man and a 37-year-old Craigieburn man were among the four individuals issued with a FPO.
A range of items were seized by detectives 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, April 20, with a further 29 searches on Tuesday, May 3, including at properties in Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Campbellfield, Dallas, Coolaroo, Broadmeadows, Epping, Lalor, Mill Park, Altona North and Altona Meadows.
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 four poison. He was presented to Broadmeadows Magistrates Court where he was convicted and fined, police said.
The operation follows an increase in firearm incidents in the north-west suburbs over the past few months, and investigators believe the incidents are both linked and targeted matters.
Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Brown said violent offenders who pose a threat to community safety 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,” he said.
“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.au.
