Weapons and drugs located in Ascot Vale and St Leonards

Detectives from Northwest Metro Crime Squad have seized a significant amount of illicit firearms as part of an investigation.

Investigators intercepted and arrested a man on Bayview Terrace around 7.30am yesterday.

A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun and silencer and quantities of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine and GHB.

A warrant was executed at a property on Union Road in Ascot Vale where a further 10 firearms, quantities of ammunition, a machete, sword, items used in the manufacture of firearms including a 3D printer were seized.

A secondary warrant was executed at a property on Narvik Avenue in St Leonards where items such as firearms parts and a quantity of fireworks was also seized.

The 49-year-old Ascot Vale man has been charged with offences including:

• Possession of a trafficable quantity of firearms

• Prohibited person possess a firearm x11

• Manufacturing a general category handgun without licence

• Possess Firearm Part - Manufacture Category E Handgun

• Possess Firearm Part - Manufacture General Category Handgun

• Possession of a loaded firearm in a public place

• Possession of cartridge ammunition without licence

• Possess methyl-amphetamine

• Possess 1-4 Butanediol

• Possess prohibited weapon

• Possess explosive substance

He will appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

This is a significant result by the regional crime squad team for the community, with a significant seizure of illicit firearms and disruption of further alleged criminal activity.

Belinda Batty

Media Unit

141491