Former Victoria Police officer Colin Sinclair charged over alleged weapons and chemical stash at Red Cliffs property

A former Victoria Police ballistics officer, described as a “lifelong gun nut”, has fronted court after police allegedly uncovered more than 60 firearms and chemicals at his Red Cliffs property.

A multi-day search by Mildura police at a rundown Pumps Rd address in Red Cliffs allegedly uncovered a cache of guns, ammo and chemicals. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

A former Victoria Police ballistics officer described as a “lifelong gun nut” has been granted bail after police allegedly discovered a staggering cache of weapons and chemicals at his Red Cliffs property.

Colin Sinclair, 67, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Friday seeking bail on several charges including possession of a trafficable quantity of firearms and possession of substance or equipment for trafficking in a drug of dependence.

Mr Sinclair, now a maintenance manager at Zilzie Wines, was arrested after police executed a multi-day search warrant at his property near Mildura.

He previously worked with the Victoria Police ballistics unit for more than a decade before leaving in 1992.

He was supported by six family members in court, including his daughter.

Colin Sinclair, the owner of the property, has been charged. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Senior Constable Samuel Holdcroft told the court the search of Mr Sinclair’s property, which began on Tuesday and is expected to continue into next week, had allegedly uncovered over 60 firearms, including branded Victoria Police weapons and others with serial numbers removed.

Many were purportedly concealed in makeshift lockers and hidden compartments within a shed, he said.

It was alleged that on more than one occasion, Mr Sinclair attempted to hide weapons during the early stages of the search.

On Friday, officers also allegedly unearthed a bunker containing barrels of chemicals, including 25kg of nitromethane, a known precursor for methamphetamine and MDMA.

The court heard police also found safrole, a restricted chemical linked to MDMA production. Other unidentified chemicals and acids, believed to be components for manufacturing explosives or weapons, remain under investigation by chemical experts.

The court heard a railway explosive was found on the property, which was believed to be fully operable.

The search is expected to continue into next week, the court heard. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

The court heard Mr Sinclair conceded ownership of the firearms when interviewed but denied any knowledge of the chemicals, claiming they had been dropped off by someone else.

He said he could not remember who the person was.

Mr Sinclair’s lawyer Bert Hilton-Wood argued his client’s co-operation with police and his clean criminal record showed he posed no unacceptable risk for bail.

He maintained the alleged bunker was merely a wine cellar.

Magistrate Patrick Southey expressed concern about the chemicals but noted Mr Sinclair’s lack of criminal history or links to organised crime and terrorism.

“If he had established links to OMCG or terrorism groups, you’d have more concerns, but it is more likely he is a lifelong gun nut,” he said.

Strict bail conditions were imposed, including that Mr Sinclair remain at his daughter’s home in Mildura and avoid his Red Cliffs property until the search concluded.

He is also required to adhere to a curfew and not possess firearms or ammunition.

Former VicPol ballistics unit officer Colin Sinclair leaves court flanked by multiple family members after being granted bail. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Mr Sinclair’s family shed tears of joy after he was granted bail, embracing him as he was released by custody officers.

He is next scheduled to appear in court for a committal mention on April 9.