Major weapons bust in St Leonards and Ascot Vale
Firearms, 3D printer, machete, sword and drugs seized as police arrest a 49-year-old Ascot Vale man in raids across Melbourne and Geelong
A major firearms bust across St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula and Ascot Vale in Melbourne has resulted in the seizure of 11 weapons, a 3D printer and drugs, and the arrest of a 49-year-old man.
It’s been described as a “significant” blow to organised crime by the regional crime squad.
The raid began at 7.30am Friday when detectives pounced on the Ascot Vale man at a Bayview Tce property, arresting him before searching his vehicle.
A loaded handgun with a silencer and quantities of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine and GHB were discovered.
Following the arrest, detectives executed a warrant at the man’s Union Rd property in Ascot Vale.
The search yielded an additional 10 firearms, ammunition, a machete, sword and equipment allegedly used to manufacture weapons, including a 3D printer.
A second warrant at a home on Narvik Ave in St Leonards netted firearm parts and illegal fireworks.
The man faces multiple charges including possession of trafficable quantities of firearms, manufacturing handguns without a licence, and drug possession.
He was expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Regional crime squad investigators described the operation as a significant community safety win, disrupting an alleged illegal firearms manufacturing network across Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Earlier this year specialist police raided a property in Drysdale, on the Bellarine, as part of an ongoing drug investigation.
A number of officers, some wearing yellow hazmat suits, were seen at the Eastwood Crescent home on July 15.
The officers, some wearing specialist face masks, could be seen removing what looked like plasterboard from the house and other objects.
Geelong Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie confirmed officers were executing a search warrant as part of an “ongoing drug investigation”.
“A specialist drug squad from Melbourne is assisting the ongoing investigation,” he said.
“Officers are wearing hazmat suits as a precaution.”
Originally published as Major weapons bust in St Leonards and Ascot Vale
