Ninety-four firearms seized during Operation Black Onyx week of action

Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad supported by police across the state have seized a plethora of firearms and firearm parts during a national week of action.

The National Illicit Firearms Working Group (formerly known as Operation Athena) is designed to target the trafficking and use of illicit firearms throughout Australia and involves all policing jurisdictions as well as a number of federal agencies.

A total of 94 firearms, 45 firearm parts, 13 gel blasters and imitation firearms, six 3D printed firearm and various firearm accessories and ammunition were seized in Victoria.

Across the state, with the assistance of the Australian Border Force, VIPER Taskforce and local police and specialist units from every region and division – including Crime Investigation Units, Divisional Response Units, Regional Crime Squads and uniform members, 15 search warrants were executed, 35 arrests were made and a total of 161 charges were laid.

The seized firearms include a stolen sawn-off double barrel shotgun, a privately made slam gun style shotgun, a privately made pen pistol, handguns, rifles and shotguns as well as fireworks, homemade cannons and 3D printed crossbows.

This year’s week of action ran from Monday 13 – Sunday 19 October.

Notable results include:

• On Monday, 13 October detectives from the Victoria Police Illicit Firearms Squad and Australian Border Force officers executed a warrant at business premises in Cobden. Two handguns (a revolver handgun in pieces and a folding single shot handgun), nine partial revolvers, three longarm firearms (two rifles and a small gauge shotgun), longarm firearm barrels and stocks, a quantity of loose miscellaneous handgun parts, various ammunition, handgun schematic prints and a conducted energy device (Taser) were seized from the property.
  
  A 62-year-old Cobden man was charged with possess traffickable quantity firearms, three counts of possess Category A longarm, two counts of possess General Category handgun, possess ammunition and possess prohibited weapon. He was bailed to appear at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on 8 December 2025.
  
• On Tuesday, 14 October detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad and ABF members executed a search warrant in Bullaharre.
  
  A 39-year-old man was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, possess ammunition and possess prohibited weapons. Privately manufactured firearms, including three 3D printed handguns, an imitation firearm and two 3D printed cross bows were seized. The man was bailed/remanded to appear at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on 8 December.
  
  Also on Tuesday, West Wimmera cluster uniform members, supported by Horsham Crime Investigation Unit, charged a 48-year-old Minimay man with possess traffickable quantity of firearms after seizing two unregistered SKS rifles, an unregistered bolt action rimfire rifle, an unregistered shotgun and a quantity of fireworks.
  
  He is expected to be charged on summons.
  
• On Thursday, 16 October Geelong Divisional Response Unit conducted an FPO compliance search at a Breakwater address.
  
  A 53-year-old Breakwater man was charged with over 20 offences after police located three privately manufactured firearms including shotguns and a pen pistol, over 20 firearm parts and various ammunition.
  
  He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 20 January, 2026.
  
  

Over 140 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches were conducted and a further two FPOs were issued.

Police also conducted over 607 firearm storage inspections. Each category of firearm licence in Victoria has specific storage requirements and any firearm holder who is not complying with those requirements faces criminal charges, suspension or cancellation of their licence and the seizure of their firearms.

Anyone who no longer wishes to maintain ownership of their firearms can surrender them under the national firearms amnesty.

Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Amanda Cohen, Illicit Firearms Squad:

“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.

“Victoria Police remains completely committed to targeting those involved with the trafficking and use of illicit firearms and holding them to account.

“A remarkable amount of work went into coordinating and resourcing this week of action – we had police members from virtually every corner of the state, both uniform and specialist units, and I would like to thank every member involved for their incredible efforts.

“The majority of incidents we see involving firearms are targeted attacks, usually between known criminals, because 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.

“A significant amount of work occurs to try and prevent these offences from occurring in the first place, and the community should be reassured we are getting results – we’re arresting people and charging them with serious offences, and we are continuing to seize illicit firearms from criminals every week.

“I encourage anyone with information regarding people in our community who are involved in the manufacture, importation or distribution of illicit firearms to report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – callers can remain anonymous, and we will act on the information.”

Maddy McDermott
Media Unit
140726