BALLARAT, VIC. — As part of a national blitz, police targeted those in the community with active Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and seized 64 firearms during a targeted operation in Ballarat last week.
Police from the Divisional Firearms Office, Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit, Ballarat Divisional Response Unit and Public Order Response Team (PORT) targeted those with active Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and also conducted inspections of registered firearm owners and traders to ensure legislative compliance.
During the operation, officers seized 64 firearms and ammunition, conducted 37 storage and Firearm Prohibition Order compliance checks and executed five search warrants.
Police seized 64 firearms, including dealer-surrendered firearms, five firearm parts and two imitation firearms.
Five people were arrested and charged during the week of action, including a 23-year-old Wendouree man.
Officers executed a search warrant at a Wendouree address, seizing a firearm, ammunition and drugs on 22 October.
The 23-year-old was arrested at the address and has been charged with offences including, but not limited to, prohibited person possessing a firearm, possessing a firearm with no serial number, forged identifying number, prohibited person possessing an imitation firearm, in addition to drug offences.
He is remanded to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on November 23.
Following the execution of a warrant at a second Wendouree address, officers located and seized an explosive substance rendered safe by the Bomb Response Unit on October 23.
Investigators have charged a 57-year-old man with possessing an explosive substance and possessing cannabis.
He is bailed to appear before Ballarat Magistrates Court on February 7, 2027.
