Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce and NSW’s Raptor Squad have gathered for the third annual week of cross border operations targeting organised crime groups and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs under Operation Blue Ember.
During the week of action, Viper Taskforce, with the assistance of Wodonga and Echuca police, executed a total of eight warrants, including 26 firearm prohibition order compliance searches, made 26 arrests and laid 60 charges.
Police also seized 10 firearms, two stolen vehicles, cash, ammunition and varying drugs of dependence.
Among the searches was one at a Wharparilla property, near Echuca, on Monday, April 28.
A semi-automatic rifle, 816 rounds of improperly stored rounds, six registered firearms, 300 rounds and a small quantity of cannabis were seized.
A 42-year-old Wharparilla man was charged with possessing an illicit firearm, incorrect storage of ammunition and possessing a drug of dependence.
His firearms’ licence was also suspended.
He was bailed to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
On Wednesday, 30 April, Viper members assisted Cobram crime investigation unit with a search warrant in Strathmerton.
A man and a woman, both aged 39 and from Strathmerton, were charged with a cumulative total of 24 offences, including trafficking/possessing methamphetamines, possessing prescription medication and theft.
The pair were bailed to appear at Cobram Magistrates’ Court on October 28.
Watch their arrests below.
