Twenty-six firearms, including a Browning M2 machine gun, have been seized following a joint investigation between the WA Police Force and Australian Border Force.
On October 15, ABF officers in Perth intercepted a package from Slovenia, which on further examination was revealed to contain firearm parts.
Detectives and ABF officers then raided a home in Belmont on October 26 allegedly finding several unsecured firearms including working parts of a M2 Browning machine gun, four shotguns, an SKS semi-automatic rifle, three rifles, eleven handguns, ammunition, nineteen silencers, knives and knuckle dusters.
Officers also found plans and diagrams for the manufacture of firearms.
A 23-year-old man from Belmont has been charged with a series of firearm and drug offences.
He will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on November 23.
Acting ABF Superintendent Investigations WA Vesna Watt said this was a great example of state and federal law enforcement agencies working collaboratively to protect the community.
“Working together, WA Police and the ABF have taken these dangerous weapons off the street and out of the community,” Act Superintendent Watt said.
“People who think it is ok to attempt to import firearms without the appropriate permits and permissions, should know we will stop them and they will face the full force of the law.”
Detective Sergeant Fraser Mainland from Cannington Detectives said that it was concerning to locate firearms of this nature being manufactured or modified in the Perth metro area.
“There is no legitimate reason why someone would need weapons of this type. Many of the firearms seized had been altered or manufactured and would have posed a significant risk to anyone that handled them.”
“Illicit firearms are an ongoing concern for WA Police Force in our community.”
“Removing illicit firearms from our community is a priority for all officers and we encourage anyone with information regarding these weapons to come forward."
Anyone with information regarding possession, sale or manufacture of illegal firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
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