POLICE seized 36 real and imitation firearms from a Frankston home in November last year.
A Frankston man has since been charged with possess a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, acquisition of a traffickable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possess handgun, acquire general category handgun, prohibited person possess imitation handgun, possess prohibited weapon, possess drug of dependence, and attempt to possess a handgun.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in July.
The weapons were seized by members of the newly established Illicit Firearms Unit.
Among the seized firearms were gel ball blasters, which police say there is “currently no lawful genuine reason for use in Victoria”.
Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said “the prevalence, use, and harm caused by illicit firearms are of significant concern to the Victorian community and a high priority for Victoria Police.”
“The use and movement of illicit firearms by criminals is a challenging national problem, which impacts every Australian jurisdiction and affects the safety of the public. While Australia has some of the strongest firearm controls in the world, illicit firearms are an increasingly desirable commodity and enabler for serious criminal activity here in Victoria.
“Last year in Victoria we seized more firearms than we did in 2019, which shows that a global pandemic had no impact on the prevalence of firearms in this state.
“I am confident the IFU will enhance Victoria Police’s capability not only to respond to illicit firearms related crime, but to proactively target those responsible.”