Woman charged after firearms seized in Southbank

Members from Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce have charged a woman and seized firearms in Southbank as part of an ongoing investigation.

A search warrant was executed at a residential address in Southbank on Thursday, April 25.

It is alleged an unloaded handgun, an imitation firearm and three knives were located inside the residence, alongside a small quantity of what appears to be cocaine.

The 25-year-old Southbank woman was arrested and charged with possess prohibited weapon and possess imitation firearm.

She was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 27.

The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.

The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.

VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.

Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report.