Guns and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Melbourne, stashed inside pokie slot machines

Two men have been charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle guns and ammunition into Melbourne inside pokie slot machines.

Two members of an organised crime gang could spend decades behind bars after allegedly trying to smuggle guns and ammunition into Melbourne hidden inside pokie slot machines.

Australian Federal Police investigators also uncovered suspected drug precursors, chemicals imported to be made into drugs, and methamphetamines inside the machines in raids across the western suburbs on Wednesday.

37-year-old Tarneit man Ralph Sapin and 30-year-old Sime Govic from Altona North are facing almost a dozen charges over several attempts to smuggle the illegal goods into Melbourne.

Operation Chandrila, a joint investigation between the AFP and the United States’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team, probed several “suspicious” consignments that uncovered parts for guns being smuggled in parcels from the US to Australia.

Police allege the pair of Melbourne men tried to import four consignments of gun parts over the past three months.

Police raided the Altona North man’s home, where they found live ammunition in his car and house, along with fake documents and what is believed to be methamphetamine.

Police seized guns and ammunition hidden inside pokie machines on Wednesday. Picture: AFP

Police probed several “suspicious” consignments that uncovered parts for guns being smuggled in parcels. Picture: AFP

They found 3.4kg of Butanediol, 1.2kg of a drug precursor and 100g of suspected methamphetamine hidden in a slot machine at a Truganina business.

Police also raided a Brooklyn business where they found up to 30kg of drug precursors, ammunition and a rifle magazine.

They charged the Altona North man with attempting to import prohibited goods, unlawful possession of ammunition, possessing a drug of dependence and falsifying documents.

The Tarneit man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs, several trafficking and possession charges and handling stolen goods.

Pokie machines allegedly used to smuggle guns and ammunition. Picture: AFP

Operation Chandrila was a joint investigation between the AFP and the United States’ Homeland Security Investigations team. Picture: AFP

Each charge carries a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent James Cheshire said the AFP state and federal authorities had “zero tolerance” for importing illegal guns into Australia.

“The importation of illegal firearms and weapons not only has the potential to endanger our

community, but they could have also enabled serious criminal activity on our streets,” he said.

“Our priority is keeping Australians safe. And that’s why we will continue to be relentless in our commitment to target, identify and disrupt these criminal syndicates and bring them to justice.

“The AFP and Victoria Police together with our international law enforcement partners have

prevented serious harm in our community as a result of these failed firearm part imports.”

The pair fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr Govic will next appear on December 6.

Originally published as Guns and ammunition allegedly smuggled into Melbourne, stashed inside pokie slot machines