Illicit Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man and seized 55 exhibits including 3D printed firearms, imitation firearms and crossbows as part of an investigation into the manufacture of illicit firearms.
With assistance from Baw Baw Crime Investigation Unit, a search warrant was executed at a residential address in Warragul last week (Thursday, 15 January).
Seven 3D printed firearms, five imitation firearms, two crossbows, 10 tasers, 3D printed magazines containing ammunition and numerous firearm parts and 3D printed firearm components were located at the residential property.
A 39-year-old Warragul man was not present at the time of the warrant but later handed himself in on Monday of this week (19 January).
He has since been charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, possess unregistered general category handguns, possess imitation firearms, possess prohibited weapons, possess equipment to manufacture firearms and possess ammunition without licence.
The man was bailed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 16 April.
The investigation commenced following intelligence from Project Adestria – a joint venture between Australian Federal Police’s Forensic Intelligence, the Australian Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and Australian Border Force to identify and disrupt illicit firearms activities.
Anyone with information on illicit firearms activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
