Weapons raid uncovers businesses allegedly arming youth gang members in Melbourne’s southeast

More than 400 illegal weapons, including imitation handguns and swords, have been seized from businesses that police allege have been arming youth offenders.

Various weapons seized as part of an investigation into youth gang related crimes in Melbourne's southeast. Picture: Police media

More than 400 illegal weapons, including samurai swords, have been seized in a massive raid on businesses that were allegedly arming youth gang members in Melbourne’s southeast.

Police executed searches at two shops in Narre Warren and Boronia, as well as a Dandenong South factory, where the weapons were seized along with methamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication.

More than $461,000 worth of vapes were also discovered, as well as laser pointers.

A 52-year-old Cranbourne North man was arrested and is expected to be charged with selling and purchasing prohibited weapons.

A 34-year-old Narre Warren North man was also arrested but released pending further investigations.

Dandenong Youth Gang Team senior sergeant Josh Milligan said there was “no place” for adults who “take advantage” of youths by selling them weapons.

Imitation handguns were among more than 400 weapons seized in a big raid of businesses in Melbourne's southeast. Picture: Supplied

Samurai swords seized in a massive blitz into businesses allegedly arming youth crime gangs in Melbourne's southeast. Picture: Supplied

“We know the harm that illegal weapons can cause in our community, especially when they’re in the hands of young people,” he said.

“Victoria Police is looking at the carriage and sale of weapons in a number of different ways, through OMNI operations – which allow us to search for weapons – as well as warrants on known youth gang members as part of Operation Alliance, and engagement with retailers to remind them of their responsibility of the sale of weapons, particularly to youths.”

The maximum penalty for carrying or using illegal weapons is $46,000 or two years in jail.

These arrests come as police amp up their Operation Alliance which targets crime related to youth gangs.

So far 440 youth gang members have been arrested, with more than 84 of those members arrested more than ten times in the last 12 months.

In addition to the weapons and drugs seized were 111 cartons of illegal cigarettes and about 2kg of dried loose tobacco.

Last week police seized 700kg of illicit tobacco in country Victoria as part of a major crackdown on major smoke rackets.