General News
3 November, 2022
Bostocks Creek man arrested
LAW enforcement agencies across Australia seized 523 firearms last week – including in Bostocks Creek – as part of a national week of action.
LAW enforcement agencies across Australia seized 523 firearms last week – including in Bostocks Creek – as part of a national week of action.
Operation Athena was designed to target the trafficking and use of illicit firearms throughout Australia and involved all policing jurisdictions as well as a number of Federal agencies including Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Defence Force.
This year’s week of action ran from October 23-29.
Over the course of the week, the illicit Firearms Squad, with assistance from VIPER Taskforce, local police and other specialist units, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police, executed 33 search warrants and conducted 78 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches.
In Victoria, 80 firearms, 18 imitation firearms and 75 firearm parts were seized, 35 people were arrested and 189 charges were laid across the week.
A 21 year-old Bostocks Creek man was charged with two counts of possess firearm-related item when FPO applies, manufacture general category handgun without a licence, prohibited person possess firearm, possess general unregistered category handgun and possess ammunition without a licence.
Police also seized ammunition, a silencer and a homemade handgun at the property.
Victoria Police also worked closely with the Australian Border Force to target illegal importation of firearms, firearm parts and firearms accessories being imported into Australia.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly from the Victoria Police State Anti-Gangs Division said the trafficking and use of illicit firearms remains a key law enforcement issue across Australia.
“Firearms-related violence is one of the most significant issues we face, and we understand there is immense community concern when it comes to these weapons,” he said.
“As we know, illicit firearms have traditionally been used in a range of violent crimes such as murder, shootings causing serious injuries, armed robbery, threats to kill, and extortion.
“Partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies are key because firearms-related crime is not only a problem here in our own jurisdiction, it’s an issue nationally.
“A key part of this is reducing the flow of weapons into our state or country.”
Detc Superintendent Kelly said the community should be reassured police were getting results.
“We’re arresting people and charging them with serious offences, and we are continuing to seize illicit firearms from criminals every week,” he said.
“The results from the week of action – not just in Victoria but right across the country – are a testament to the work that’s being done by a number of agencies to target those involved with the trafficking and use of illicit firearms.
“Rest assured; the indiscriminate use of illicit firearms remains a key focus for Victoria Police and we are fully committed to targeting those involved in this type of offending and holding them to account.”
One issues, an FPO remains valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children.
During that time, anyone under an FPO is banned from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or a related item, such as ammunition.
They are also banned from entering firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
Those who breach an FPO can face 10 years’ jail for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm-related item.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au.