A RECENT police order to conduct 30 Firearm Prohibition Order searches has led to the arrest of six individuals, including a 28-year-old Mernda man.
Police across the Whittlesea, Darebin and Banyule-Nillumbik crime investigation units and the Divisional Response Unit gained additional support from the VIPER Taskforce as part of the firearm and weapons blitz.
Searches were conducted in Epping, Diamond Creek, Greensborough, Lalor, Mill Park, Northcote and Reservoir, with six arrests and two further interviews as part of the Firearm Prohibition Order conditions.
The 28-year-old Mernda man was charged with an outstanding warrant and possess prohibited weapon without exemption. The man was bailed but will appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on April 23.
Also arrested included a 32-year-old Lalor man, a 39-year-old Northcote man, a 29-year-old Mill Park woman, a 40-year-old Lower Plenty man and a 32-year-old Greensborough man.
The Lalor and Northcote men were arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court, the Mill Park woman will be charged on summons for possessing a drug of dependence, the Lower Plenty man will be charged on summons for hindering police and the Greensborough man will be charged on summons for possess a drug of dependence and possess a prescribed drug without prescription.
A 72-year-old from Greensborough and a 30-year-old from Epping will also be interviewed for failing to provide a new address, which falls under their Firearm Prohibition Order conditions.
Charges relating to Firearm Prohibition Orders include 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item, which remain in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children once imposed.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm or drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
