A Yanchep man, who appeared in Joondalup Magistrates Court on January 17, will remain remanded in custody until his next court appearance on February 28.

The 27-year-old man was arrested on January 10 when Australian Border Force (ABF) and WA Police executed a search warrant at a Yanchep property and confiscated 16 unlicensed firearms, including a loaded sawn-off shotgun, two electric shock devices and a quantity of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis.

They found unlicensed native wildlife, including a carpet python snake and 34 geckos, which were removed by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions officers.

ABF and WA Police officers also found evidence of the sale of firearms, drugs and native wildlife, and of importing prohibited weapons, including flick knives and a pistol grip slingshot.

On January 16 a joint statement by Australian Border Force and WA Police said police had charged the man with weapons and drugs charges.

ABF Superintendent Kirsty Baldassar said the arrest highlighted a shared commitment between federal and state partners to combat the trade and use of illegal firearms.

“Illicit firearms are a threat to community safety in Australia, often ending up in the hands of people with criminal intent and untraceable by law enforcement,” Superintendent Baldassar said.

“The ABF has ramped up its border intelligence capability in recent years and works closely with agencies in Australia and overseas to build a global web of information about those buying and selling illicit firearms and firearm parts.

“The message is simple, comply with our firearms legislation or face the consequences.”

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 19 January 2024.