Two St Albans men have been charged after police allegedly found drugs, cash and imitation firearms at a St Albans house during a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance search.
With the assistance of the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and the Dog Squad, members of the VIPER taskforce had been at the property executing the FPO search on a 29-year-old St Albans man.
Police allege that five imitation firearms, in excess of $10,000 cash, a variety of drugs, including approximately two kilograms of cannabis and various quantities of what appear to be methylamphetamine, ecstasy and LSD, and other drug-related paraphernalia were found during the search.
The 29-year-old St Albans man was charged with five counts of prohibited person possessing a firearm, dealing proceeds of crime, trafficking cocaine, possessing cannabis, committing an indictable offence whilst on bail, contravening bail condition and failing to notify FPO Registry of a change of address.
A 28-year-old St Albans man was charged with possessing cannabis, trafficking cannabis and possessing methylamphetamine.
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.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Warren Chapman said any firearm seizure was satisfying for police because it has an immediate impact on community safety.
“Imitation firearms are almost identical in appearance to legitimate firearms and are often used to commit serious criminal offences. These weapons are not harmless toys – we regularly see these items used in serious and violent crimes which can terrify victims,” he said.
