Guns, explosives and a military mortar shell seized in Melbourne

Police have revealed the dangerous weapons haul they’ve seized amid an armed robbery investigation – including one surprising item.

Police have revealed the extensive list of items seized amid a months-long investigation into an armed robbery at a licensed venue in Melbourne.

The list, which includes 22 firearms, ammunition, explosives, 3D printed gun parts, and drugs, was outlined on Friday as seven Melburnians were arrested overnight in raids across the city.

Surprisingly Victoria Police say a military mortar shell was found buried in parkland in Mount Waverley, just 16 km southeast of the CBD.

In total 10 people have been charged, including a 29-year-old Clayton South man (pictured), after police after a police investigation into an armed robbery uncovered weapons. Picture: Victoria Police.

Also seized were imitation firearms, firearm parts, an electronic jammer, pepper spray, knuckle dusters, stolen property and cash.

Armed Crime Squad Detective Inspector Mark Hatt said the raids should send a “clear message” that police would work tirelessly to prevent organised crime access to illicit firearms in Victoria.

“This is a clear message to anyone illegally carrying firearms: we will track down and charge those involved in the manufacture, trafficking and use of illicit firearms,” he said.

“The arrests and seizures made over the course of this investigation are significant and a clear demonstration that our focus includes the affiliates and networks of those involved in this type of offending.”

A 30-year-old Clayton South man was among those charged. Picture: Victoria Police.

Five people, including a 30-year-old Greenvale man (pictured), are expected to face court on Friday. Picture: Victoria Police.

Overnight Thursday, police raided six residential properties and a storage facility in the suburbs of Clayton South, Roxburgh Park, Greenvale, Keysborough, Moorabbin, Rowville and Mordialloc.

The raids and arrests follow a lengthy investigation into an armed robbery at a licensed venue on Dandenong Rd in Mulgrave on November 3 last year.

It will be alleged two men, armed with handguns, entered the premises demanding cash before fleeing in a waiting vehicle.

Two staff members and a small number of patrons were unharmed, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

This week’s arrests follow raids in late November and early January where three men were arrested and later charged with offences including drug and firearm possession.

Five men, aged 29 to 31, are expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, collectively charged with more than 110 offences.

Originally published as Guns, explosives and a military mortar shell seized in Melbourne