By Tate Papworth
A 51-year-old Brooklyn man has been charged with trafficking two firearms and running a hydroponic cannabis set-up at his property, following a national police operation last month.
Operation Athena was designed to target the trafficking and use of illicit firearms throughout the country and involved all policing jurisdictions as well as a number of federal agencies.
Law enforcement agencies seized 475 firearms during the week-long operation, 91 of which were in Victoria.
A 44-year-old Melton man was also arrested by the special operations group as part of an ongoing firearms investigation.Police also discovered a quantity of ice at the address of a 50-year-old Mickelham man.
Operation Athena national chair Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham said the trafficking and use of illicit firearms remains a key law enforcement issue across Australia.
“Firearms-related violence is one of the most significant issues we face and we understand there is immense community concern when it comes to these weapons,” he said.
“The results from the week of action, not just in Victoria but right across the country, are testament to the work that’s being done by a number of agencies to target those involved with the trafficking and use of illicit firearms and try and prevent further harm to our communities.”
He said the collaborative approach was the key to obtaining high results.
“Partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies are key because firearms-related crime is not only a problem here in our own jurisdiction, it’s an issue nationally. A key part of this is reducing the flow of weapons into our state or country.
“The community should be reassured we are getting results – we’re arresting people and charging them with serious offences, and we are continuing to seize illicit firearms from criminals every week.”
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
