Michaela Meade
A number of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) were issued this morning as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearms use across Melbourne’s west and north, and Ballarat.
The operation targeted NOMADS outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members and their associates and involved detectives from across service areas.
Police carried out searches at multiple locations, including in Melton West, Sunbury, Newport, St Albans and Laverton North.
A 44-year-old man from Melton West, a 35-year-old man from Newport, a 36-year-old man from Sunbury, a 39-year-old man from Sunbury, and a 33-year-old man from St Albans were among those issued with FPOs.
Response Manager, acting inspector Shaun Bingham said FPOs served as a “powerful tool” to hold individuals accountable when it came to the use of illicit firearms.
“We make no apologies for deliberately making it difficult for these people to access, use and store firearms,” he said.
“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm – if they want to roll the dice they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.
“Make no mistake – police will continue to do everything within their power to make sure firearms stay out of the wrong hands.”
