A joint investigation between Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force has uncovered a large-scale illegal weapons and drug operation at a residential property in Cranbourne.
The raid, carried out on Friday, 20 June, followed an ongoing investigation by the Illicit Firearms Squad in collaboration with the Australian Border Force. A search warrant executed at the home led to the discovery of a hoard of illicit weapons, firearm parts, ammunition, and drugs.
More than 50 items were seized, including:
- Six privately manufactured firearms
- Fourteen imitation pistols and longarms
- A 3D-printed firearms silencer
- Large quantities of cartridge ammunition
- Metal tubing and springs suspected for firearms production
Police also located approximately one litre of 1,4-Butanediol and 25 grams of methamphetamine. Other weapons and multiple mobile phones were also seized as part of the operation.
Three men were arrested at the scene.
A 37-year-old Cranbourne man is now facing 40 charges, including:
- Manufacturing firearms
- Possessing parts and equipment for firearms production
- Possessing a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms
- Possessing general category handguns and imitation firearms
- Possessing ammunition and prohibited weapons without a licence
- Drug trafficking and possession
He was granted bail and will appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 16 July.
The ABF also intends to charge the man under the Customs Act 1901 for unlawfully importing Tier 2 goods.
A 38-year-old man from Cranbourne was charged with possessing methamphetamine and bailed to appear in court on the same date. A third man, aged 51, was released pending further investigation.
All seized items will undergo forensic examination.
Authorities Urge Public to Report Illegal Firearms
Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald from Victoria Police’s Illicit Firearms Squad said the operation highlighted the risks posed by illicit gun manufacturing.
“We take all illicit firearms manufacture seriously, regardless of whether they are privately made, as they can have lethal consequences,” she said.
“We urge anyone with information on the illicit manufacture, trafficking or importation of firearms to contact Crime Stoppers.”
ABF Investigations Superintendent Ben Michalke also reiterated the importance of public vigilance.
“Whether it’s drugs or illicit firearms and weapons, the Australian Border Force stands between the dangers these items pose and the Australian community,” he said.
National Firearms Amnesty Ongoing
As part of a national firearms amnesty, residents can surrender unregistered or unwanted firearms at any police station or authorised firearms dealer—no questions asked.
If you have information about illegal weapons, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
