Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have arrested two men who are suspected of being part of a Melbourne-based criminal syndicate for allegedly importing firearms from the United States.
The arrests of 37-year-old Tarneit man Ralph Sapin and 30-year-old Altona North man Sime Govic were made on Aug. 16 as part of Operation Chandrila following the passing of intelligence from the United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to the AFP in June.
The AFP alleged that both men attempted to import four consignments containing firearm parts into Melbourne from the United States over a three-month period.
Upon executing their search warrant, AFP officers found fake IDs, methamphetamines, and live rounds inside the home and a vehicle belonging to Mr. Govic.
Officers also raided a Truganini commercial business and a commercial storage facility in Brooklyn, where they found 100 grams of suspected methamphetamines hidden in an electronic gaming/slot machine, ammunition and a rifle magazine, and more than 30 kilograms of drug precursors.
The Altona man, Mr. Govic, was charged with attempting to import prohibited firearms without approval, unlawful possession of ammunition, possessing a drug of dependence, and falsifying documents.
The Tarneit man, Mr. Sapin, was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs, possessing a precursor chemical, and handling stolen goods.
‘Zero Tolerance’ For Illegal Importation of Firearms
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent James Cheshire said the AFP and its state and federal counterparts had “zero tolerance” for the illegal importation of firearms into the country.“The importation of illegal firearms and weapons not only has the potential to endanger our community, but they could have also enabled serious criminal activity on our streets,” Mr. Cheshire said.
“Our priority is keeping Australians safe. And that’s why we will continue to be relentless in our commitment to target, identify, and disrupt these criminal syndicates and bring them to justice.
“The AFP and Victoria Police, together with our international law enforcement partners, have prevented serious harm in our community as a result of these failed firearm part imports.“
The men appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Aug. 17. The Altona North man, Mr. Govic, will next appear in court on Dec. 6.
This comes after Victoria Police in July charged nine people believed to be part of an Asian organised crime syndicate for trafficking large commercial quantities of methamphetamines and heroin across Melbourne.
Police also found imitation guns, ammunition, samurai swords, drugs, and over $750,000 (US$478,600) in cash.
“Police subsequently seized a loaded handgun, ammunition, an imitation handgun, quantities of what appear to be heroin and methylamphetamine, six Samurai swords, luxury bags and cigarette lighters, as well as approximately $50,000 cash from the St Albans address,” Victoria police said in a statement.
In February, officers raided properties across four different Melbourne suburbs, where a number of alleged illegal items were seized.
“Police also seized a commercial quantity of what appears to be methylamphetamine, articles used in the preparation of drugs of dependence for sale, and approximately $400,000 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime,” police said in a statement.
