A 41-year old Sydenham man has been charged with 13 offences, including possessing prohibited weapons and imitation firearms, after police seized over 30 weapons from his home following an investigation into drug and firearm trafficking.
Investigators located the man in his vehicle in a Port Melbourne carpark about 8.45am on Thursday, August 14.
Police will allege they located an imitation revolver, ten rounds of .38 special cartridge ammunition, a pistol magazine, a butterfly knife and a flick knife as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money in the vehicle.
The man was arrested and a search warrant was subsequently executed at his residential address in Sydenham.
Investigators seized over 30 items, including two imitation pistols, an imitation assault rifle, assorted cartridge ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sword, varying quantities of what appear to be MDMA, methylamphetamine, testosterone and other pharmaceuticals, as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money.
Illicit firearms squad detective inspector Julie Macdonald said possessing imitation firearms is a serious offence.
“Replica or imitation firearms may sound like toys but they can cause undue stress to the community when used,” Inspector Macdonald said.
“They are of particular concern because they are often indistinguishable from the real thing, especially if used in a high-stress situation such as a burglary or robbery where a victim or witness believes they are real.
“They are prohibited weapons for a reason, and anyone found in their possession will have them seized and will be charged.”
The man was bailed by the court to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 29.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
