Raids shut down firearms trafficking ring with 11 arrested

A major firearms trafficking ring has been shut down after Illicit Firearms Squad detectives raided 10 properties across West Gippsland on Thursday.

Eleven men were arrested as part of an investigation into trafficking of illicit firearms.

Detectives seized firearms, drugs and proceeds of crime.

The arrests and seizures formed part of a targeted four-month investigation into a criminal syndicate alleged to have been involved in the trafficking of illicit firearms and drugs in the state’s east.

Police executed search warrants at properties in Warragul, Drouin, Yarragon, Trafalgar, Narracan, Labertouche, Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon and two in Moe.

Four of the men were remanded in custody after appearing at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

State Anti-Gangs Division, Crime Command detective superintendent Peter Brigham said the Illicit Firearms Squad was dedicated to removing firearms from the streets and making the Victorian community safer.

“Seizing this number of firearms and firearm related items is a great outcome for community safety.

“We know illicit firearms often feature heavily in some of our most serious and violent crimes such as homicides, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and family violence offending, as well as within the drug trade.

“Rest assured, we will target those involved and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we further disrupt the trafficking and use of illicit firearms in Victoria,” det supt Brigham said.

Police seized firearms, firearm-related items, ammunition, prohibited weapons, drugs including methylamphetamine, cocaine, 1,4 Butanediol and steroids, and a significant amount of cash.

Among those arrested were:

A 37-year-old Yarragon man charged with a range of offences including trafficking firearms and trafficking a drug of dependence. He was remanded in custody.

A 63-year-old Narracan man charged with offences including trafficking firearms and cultivating cannabis. He was remanded in custody.

A 40-year-old Drouin man charged with multiple counts of trafficking a drug of dependence and possessing proceeds of crime was remanded in custody.

A 34-year-old Moe man charged with offences including trafficking firearms and theft and was remanded in custody.

A 40-year-old Moe man was charged with firearms trafficking offences. He was bailed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on April 13, 2022.

A 52-year-old Warragul man charged with possessing methylamphetamine and trafficking a drug of dependence.

A 42-year-old Labertouche man was charged with firearm trafficking offences and bailed to LVMC on April 14, 2022.

A 44-year-old Pakenham man was arrested regarding an outstanding warrant and was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on February 11, 2022.

A 37-year-old Moe man received a drug diversion order.

A 54-year-old Labertouche man was interviewed in relation to drug matters and was released pending further inquiries; and, a 27-year-old Nar Nar Goon man was interviewed and released in relation to weapon offences.

Four firearm prohibition orders (FPO) also were served.  The orders provide police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime.

Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children aged between 14 and 17-years-old.

During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.

They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.

The investigation involved members from the Illicit Firearms Squad, Eastern Region Crime Squad, Latrobe Valley and Cardinia detectives,  Morwell and Southern Metro divisional response units, the dog squad and Federal Police National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS).