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SA border drug and firearm smuggle leads to arrest of two Mount Gambier men

Two Mount Gambier men have been arrested after a traffic stop near the SA border led police to a car containing drugs and firearms.

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Two men have been arrested after police located drugs and firearms during a traffic stop at Mount Gambier.

The arrest occurred after Victoria police alerted police of a Holden Captiva speeding towards the South Australian border.

Victorian police suspected the car had been travelling with another vehicle in which they found drugs and firearms in during a search.

Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police
Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police
Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police
Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police

Mount Gambier police saw the Holden Captiva in Orr Street just before 3am and stopped the driver.

The vehicle was subsequently searched revealing 62 grams of a crystalline substance police suspect is methamphetamine, an unregistered prescribed firearm and a hand held taser.

The driver, a 49-year-old Mount Gambier man was arrested for trafficking in a controlled drug, possessing a prescribed firearm and possessing a dangerous article.

Police subsequently searched the man’s home and located another quantity of methamphetamine, numerous other items to suggest trafficking in controlled drugs, a small amount of cannabis and two unregistered gel blaster firearms.

Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police
Drugs and weapons seized at Mount Gambier. Picture: SA Police

As a result of investigations, police arrested a second man, a 37-year-old from Mount Gambier and charged him with trafficking in a controlled drug and possessing an unregistered firearm.

Both men were refused bail and appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court yesterday where they were remanded in custody.

POLICE TIPPED OFF TO CANNABIS GROW HOUSE

Police have seized more than 100 cannabis plants at a property south of Adelaide, after “acting on tip-off”.

Southern District Police searched a house on Springbank Road in Panorama yesterday morning and discovered a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set up across multiple rooms.

SAPOL reported 113 cannabis plants, ranging from juvenile to large mature plants and a large amount of prescribed equipment were dismantled by officers.

An examination by the Office of the Technical Regulator revealed the power at the premises had been bypassed.

Police did not specify where the tip came from and are making inquires to identify those involved.

They are also urging anyone who has CCTV or has seen any suspicious activity near the premises to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police seized 113 cannabis plants from a property in Panorama. Picture: SAPOL
Police seized 113 cannabis plants from a property in Panorama. Picture: SAPOL
The plants were located alongside a large amount of prescribed equipment. Picture: SAPOL
The plants were located alongside a large amount of prescribed equipment. Picture: SAPOL

It comes as police made multiple arrests after raiding two homes in Adelaide’s northern and western suburbs.

About 10am on October 4, Northern District police searched an Elizabeth South property.

Officers found a quantity of cannabis along with other drug paraphernalia.

Police also located 11 gel blaster firearms including six rifles and five hand guns.

A 50-year-old woman and 41-year-old man from Elizabeth South were both charged with trafficking a controlled drug and firearms offences.

The pair have been refused bail and are set to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.

In light of the incident, police have reiterated a warning to South Australians who own a gel blaster.

In a statement, SAPOL said gel blasters were subject to the same licensing, registration and security conditions as other firearms.

Anyone not licensed to have a gel blaster or who has a gel blaster that is not registered can surrender it to police or a participating licensed firearms dealer as part of the firearms amnesty.

Firearms found after police raid home in Elizabeth South. Picture: SAPOL
Firearms found after police raid home in Elizabeth South. Picture: SAPOL
Firearm found after police raid home in Flinders Park. Picture: SAPOL
Firearm found after police raid home in Flinders Park. Picture: SAPOL
Firearm found after police raid home in Flinders Park. Picture: SAPOL
Firearm found after police raid home in Flinders Park. Picture: SAPOL

In a separate incident this week, a man was arrested after police found two firearms and a hydroponic cannabis grow room at Flinders Park.

Around 12pm on October 3 Western District Police searched a home in Flinders Park.

During the search, officers found an air rifle, an airsoft hand gun and a cannabis grow room containing nine cannabis plants and prescribed equipment.

A 51-year-old man from Flinders Park was charged with multiple serious offences including two counts of possessing a firearm without a licence, cultivating cannabis and possessing prescribed equipment.

The man was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/gun-arsenal-and-drugs-found-during-searches-of-homes-across-adelaide/news-story/56249980559be222edbfc4e1510836bd