Springvale Man at Centre of Firearm Trafficking Case
Last week, a 27-year-old Springvale man became the focus of a sweeping firearm crackdown. As a result, he now faces 26 charges after police discovered 3D printed handguns, drugs, and a large sum of cash inside his Warwick Avenue home. Prompt action by officers uncovered a 3D printer with recent activity and hidden compartments. They also uncovered two loaded 3D printed pistols, amphetamines and nearly $50,000 in cash, all siezed as proceeds of crime. The man was taken into custody and remanded. He will appear in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 October.
Operation Targets Firearm Prohibition Order Breaches
The Springvale arrest was only one outcome of the extensive three-day operation. Across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia, police focused on people already subject to firearm prohibition orders. Officers carried out 16 compliance checks. They arrested nine people and seized a significant quantity of prohibited items.
Significant Seizures Across the Southeast
Throughout the crackdown, investigators collected a wide variety of illegal goods. Specifically, they seized:
- Two 3D printed handguns and loaded magazines
- Three imitation firearms
- Multiple machetes, crossbows, and a karambit knife
- Quantities of methylamphetamine, steroids, 1,4-Butanediol, and prescription medication
- A stolen vehicle and more than $100,000 in stolen property
- Almost $50,000 in cash
Police confirmed the operation struck at both firearm trafficking and broader criminal networks.
Pakenham Arrests Add to Operation Results
Additionally, two men aged 27 and 53 were arrested in Pakenham after an FPO search. Officers found machetes, knives, mace, cannabis, and parts of firearms inside their Duncan Drive property. Although the pair was arrested, they were released pending further enquiries.
Doveton Search Links to Commercial Burglary
Meanwhile, another search unfolded in Doveton. There, police located a stolen vehicle and property allegedly linked to a $100,000 commercial burglary. As a result, a 21-year-old Glenroy woman was arrested. However, she too was released pending further investigation.
Strong Collaboration Between Specialist Units
The operation succeeded due to combined resources. Local crime units from Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia worked alongside the Springvale Divisional Response Unit and the Dandenong Crime Reduction Team. Moreover, support came from the VIPER Taskforce and Dog Squad, ensuring maximum reach during the coordinated crackdown.
More Firearm Operations Ahead
Since this operation yielded strong results, police say they will continue targeting people subject to firearm prohibition orders. In fact, similar enforcement actions are already being planned across Melbourne’s southeast.
Public Urged to Share Information
Finally, police stress that community intelligence remains vital. Anyone with information about illicit firearms should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
