BEECHWORTH, VIC. — Two men have been charged after five firearms, firearms parts, weapons and drugs were seized as part of an investigation into illegal firearms use in Victoria’s east.
Wodonga detectives, with assistance from the Special Operations Group, executed two search warrants at properties in Beechworth on Monday, arresting a 64-year-old man and 42-year-old man.
At the first address police seized three illicit firearms, assorted ammunition, firearm parts, handgun holsters, rifle scopes, four cannabis plants, steroids and testosterone, according to Detective Inspector Anthony Town, Eastern Region Investigation and Response Manager.
“Illicit firearms have absolutely no place in our community, and we are committed to removing them from the wrong hands,” Det. Insp. Anthony Town said.
The 64-year-old man was charged with almost a dozen offences, including prohibited person possessing a category A longarm without a licence, possessing a handgun without a licence, possessing an imitation firearm without a licence, possessing cartridge ammunition without a licence, possessing a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms and cultivating cannabis.
He appeared before the Wodonga Magistrates’ Court today for a police-initiated remand application.
At the second address, police located two imitation handguns, four swords, rifle scopes, assorted ammunition, a slingshot and firearms parts.
The 42-year-old man was charged with seven offences, including prohibited person possessing a firearm, prohibited person possessing an imitation firearm, possessing cartridge ammunition without a licence and possessing methylamphetamine.
He was bailed to appear before Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on March 3, 2026.
“Victoria Police will stop at nothing to track down and charge those we believe have the access to and propensity to use firearms,” Det. Insp. Anthony Town said.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
