A major police operation across Greater Geelong has resulted in 20 arrests and the seizure of multiple firearms and commercial quantities of drugs.
The operation saw Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce knock on the doors of more than 40 homes between Monday June 17 and Thursday June 20.
During the operation, police conducted 34 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches and five drug warrants, targeting individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Throughout the operation, police seized a slam gun, three imitation firearms, prohibited weapons, property allegedly stolen from burglaries and drugs including cannabis, cocaine, GHB, methamphetamine and MDMA.
“These operations aim to protect the community and reduce firearm related crime,” Geelong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said.
“We have the ability to call on specialised resources including the VIPER Taskforce, to assist us in combating criminal networks and remove illicit firearms from the wrong hands.
“Carrying firearms illegally is a dangerous game with severe consequences – and we will continue to run proactive operations across Greater Geelong to keep the community safe.”
Those arrested by police include:
• During a firearms warrant at a residential property in Hamlyn Heights, detectives located and seized a slam gun, ammunition and cannabis. A 52-Year-Old Hamlyn Heights man was arrested and charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis, and possessing ammunition. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on August 8.
• During a FPO search in Belmont, police located and seized two imitation firearms, and large quantities of GHB and methylamphetamine. A 40-year-old Belmont man was arrested and charged with trafficking commercial quantity of GHB, trafficking methylamphetamine, prohibited person possess imitation firearm, possess DOD, and possess prescription medication. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on July 17.
• During a FPO search in Batesford, detectives located and seized an imitation firearm and ammunition. A 50-year-old Batesford man was arrested and charged with possessing imitation firearm, possessing ammunition, and contravention of firearms prohibition order. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on August 29.
• Police executed a search warrant at a property in Armstrong Creek where they located prohibited weapons and illicit drugs. A 14-year-old boy from Armstrong Creek was arrested and was charged with attempted armed robbery, aggravated burglary, burglary, possess weapons, and possession of a drug of dependence. He will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
• Police arrested a 32-year-old North Geelong man who was wanted on warrant. He was charged with 10 counts of theft and remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on July 4.
