Police executed seven FPO searches on subjects living in Echuca, Rochester, Kyabram, California Gully and North Bendigo from July 22 to 24.
During the searches, police seized a Ford Falcon previously reported stolen from Ballarat on July 22, a bayonet, a rifle scope, three gel blaster firearms, rounds of ammunition, controlled weapons, a significant quantity of cash and various drugs of dependence, including methylamphetamine, cannabis and prescription drugs.
A 49-year-old Echuca man was charged with a range of firearms and drug offences.
He was bailed to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on July 27.
A 52-year-old Kyabram man was charged with theft of motor vehicle and possess proceeds of crime.
A 32-year-old Kyabram man was charged with possess drug of dependence.
The two men were bailed to front Echuca Magistrates’ Court on November 15.
A 35-year-old Echuca woman was issued with a cannabis caution, a 28-year-old Rochester woman was issued with a drug diversion and a 24-year-old North Bendigo woman was released pending further inquiries.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Ellway said the arrests provided a timely reminder the VIPER Taskforce could and would deploy anywhere across the state.
“Those living in regional areas shouldn’t feel more comfortable. If you are involved in gang-related or organised criminal activity anywhere in Victoria, you are not out of our reach. We can and will target you,” Det Sen Sgt Ellway said.
“This is also 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.”
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
FPOs are an integral enforcement tool that provides police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm-related item such as ammunition.
They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
