Firearm, weapons haul uncovered at Cannington home

A 37-year-old man Cannington man has been charged with manufacturing firearms following a joint investigation by WA Police and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

In December 2021, ABF officers intercepted two firearm silencers destined for an address in Cannington.

With the help of WA Police, officers executed a search warrant at the residence on James Street on January 18, 2022.

A haul of items were allegedly located during the search including three firearms, about 1000 rounds of ammunition, an assortment of firearm parts including magazines, barrels and silencers, a home made bomb, a crossbow, knuckle dusters and a cattle prod and machinery and tools used to make and modify firearms.

TRG Bomb Response Unit officers also attended and rendered the explosive device safe.

The Cannington man has been charged by WA Police with a series of firearm and drug offences.

He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on February 16, 2022 on the state offences and is next due to appear in the same court in April.

The man has also been charged under the Customs Act with two counts of unlawfully importing Tier 2 prohibited goods.

Detective Superintendent John Hutchison from WA Police Force’s Serious and Organised Crime Division said the interception made by Australian Border Force was crucial in validating existing intelligence holdings held by WA Police Force.

“The successful interception made by Australian Border Force not only provided the evidence required for ABF officers to conduct their search warrant, it added credibility to existing intelligence holdings held by WA Police Force and provided us with sufficient cause to join those ABF officers in their investigation," Superintendent Hutchison said.

“The firearms and firearm parts seized could have been deadly if in the hands of the wrong people.

"This seizure, and the identification of the workshop, is a significant development in respect to community safety and highlights the outcomes being achieved through our close working relationships with Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence agencies.”

ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner West James Copeman said ABF officers had detected the firearm suppressors in a package marked as ‘fuel filters’.

“Criminals attempting to import these dangerous items across Australia’s borders should understand that our officers have the technology and the intelligence to detect and intercept them, no matter how well concealed,” Assistant Commissioner Copeman said.