Dandenong Divisional Response Unit detectives have taken five firearms, a baton and ammunition off the street and after arresting four men earlier this week.
At approximately 5.45am on Wednesday (oct, 4), Police cordoned off a residential property at Balmoor Terrace, Clyde North after which two men peacefully exited the premises.
After a period of time, Police executed a search warrant on the address and located a 49-year-old Clyde North man in a roof cavity and a 37-year-old Clyde North man in a garden shed.
Once all suspects were safely in police custody, detectives searched the premises and seized:
n Five imitation firearms
n An extendable baton
n 13 rounds of ammunition
n Two expended ammunition shells
n A stolen Ford Ranger utility
n An electronic safe
n Several mobile phones
n Various medications
The 37-year-old Clyde North man has been charged with prohibited person possessing imitation firearms, possessing ammunition without a license, possessing prohibited weapons without an exemption, theft of motor vehicle, failure to give passcodes and commit an indictable offence while on bail.
He was remanded to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on October 5, where he was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order.
The 49-year-old Clyde North man is expected to be charged on summons with prohibited person possessing imitation firearms, possessing ammunition without a license, possessing prohibited weapons without an exemption and theft of motor vehicle.
A 27-year-old Rosebud man was charged with breaching bail conditions.
A fourth man was arrested at the time and subsequently released by Police.
Dandenong DRU Sergeant James Frost said: “Let me be very clear, the possession of imitation firearms is illegal, and police will not hesitate in targeting and arresting those who think they can flout the law.
“Imitation firearms are almost identical in appearance of legitimate firearms and are often utilised in serious and violent offending.
“This can leave people within the community can be left feeling vulnerable, insecure, and scared in their own neighbourhood.
“Any illegal weapon on our streets is a threat to our community and police will continue to use every power we have in order to prevent harm to our communities.”