- Published:
- Monday 20 April 2026 at 5:00 am
Local police and officers from Victoria Police’s serious and organised crime taskforce seized eight firearms during a week of action in Geelong.
Geelong detectives were joined by members from the VIPER Taskforce to target those in the community with active firearm prohibition orders.
During the operation, officers conducted 16 Firearm Prohibition Order checks and executed one search warrant.
While conducting a compliance check in Little River, VIPER officers located four firearms, an imitation firearm, firearm parts, ammunition and methylamphetamine.
The FPO subject – aged 47 – was arrested and charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, four counts of possessing a firearm when a firearm prohibition order applies, FPO subject possessing an imitation firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence and possessing methylamphetamine.
He was remanded to appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 29 April.
During a search warrant in Whittington, VIPER officers located an imitation firearm, three cannabis plants, a taser, slingshot, OC sprays and quantities of heroin.
A 56-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing cartridge ammunition without a licence, cultivating a narcotic plant, possessing a prohibited weapon without exemption and trafficking heroin.
He was bailed to appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 12 June.
Geelong detectives also located two firearms during an FPO check in St Albans Park. A 32-year-old man was charged with a range of offences.
A 43-year-old man will also be charged after police established he had failed to update his address, as is legally required when subject to an FPO.
VIPER Taskforce deploys regularly across the state to support local police with investigations and enforcement, including FPOs.
The 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 such as ammunition.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant with people facing 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.
Operation Potassium ran in Geelong from 13 to 16 April.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jaime Gillard, Geelong Crime Investigation Unit:
“These operations keep the heat on those prohibited from possessing a firearm due to their criminal history and criminal associations, with eight firearms successfully removed from the wrong hands.
“Our message to those with FPOs is clear – you can be searched anytime by police.
“We will continue to work with specialist resources such as the VIPER Taskforce to target those who are known to use or carry illicit firearms.”
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway, VIPER Taskforce:
“This operation is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state to support police in the regions.
“There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in the country, that is simply not true. Tackling regional crime is a priority for Victoria Police, and criminals need to understand there are no safe havens across our state. Just because you’re in regional Victoria doesn’t mean you aren’t in our sights.
“If you’re involved in criminal activity, you will be caught by police and you will be held accountable.”
Media Unit
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