64 firearms seized during Ballarat week of action

64 firearms have been seized during a targeted operation in Ballarat last week.

As part of a national blitz, police targeted those in the community with active Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs).

Police from the Divisional Firearms Office, Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit, Ballarat Divisional Response Unit and Public Order Response Team (PORT) targeted those with active Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) also conducted inspections of registered firearm owners and traders to ensure legislative compliance.

During the operation, officers seized 64 firearms, ammunition, conducted 37 storage and Firearm Prohibition Order compliance checks and executed five search warrants.

Police seized 64 firearms, including dealer-surrendered firearms, five firearm parts and two imitation firearms.

Five people were arrested and charged during the week of action, including a 23-year-old Wendouree man.

Officers executed a search warrant at a Wendouree address, seizing a firearm, ammunition and drugs on 22 October.

The 23-year-old was arrested at the address and has been charged with offences including, but not limited to, prohibited person possess a firearm, possess firearm with no serial number, forge identifying number, prohibited person possess imitation firearm in addition to drug offences.

He is remanded to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 23 November.

Following the execution of a warrant at a second Wendouree address, officers located and seized an explosive substance rendered safe by the Bomb Response Unit on 23 October.

Investigators have charged a 57-year-old man with possess explosive substance and possess cannabis.

He is bailed to appear before Ballarat Magistrates Court on 7 February 2027.

The operation formed part of The National Illicit Firearms Working Group week of action, which ran alongside partner agencies from 19 to 25 October, with police in Ballarat detecting more than half of all firearms located across Victoria.

In Victoria, 115 firearms, 166 firearm parts and 10 imitation firearms were seized during the week.

Fifty people were arrested, and 243 charges were laid across the state.

Firearm Prohibition Orders are issued to offenders who are known to be armed with or use illicit firearms.

They remain in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children. During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm-related item, including ammunition. The penalties relating to breaches of Firearm Prohibition Orders are significant, with offenders facing up to 10 years’ imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm-related item.

Anyone with information about illicit firearm use is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Shaun Bingham, Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit:

“Illicit firearms continue to pose a significant risk to community safety, which is why targeting those who use them unlawfully remain a priority for police in Ballarat.

“The recovery of more than 60 firearms is a significant result, with every firearm removed from the community reducing the potential for harm.

“These weapons are often linked to serious and violent offending and preventing them from falling into the hands of criminals is critical to keeping our community safe.

“We will continue to proactively target illicit firearms, hold offenders to account and work alongside our partner agencies to remove dangerous weapons from our streets.”

Media Unit

153022