A haul of weapons including semi-automatic assault rifles and a military-grade smoke grenade has been seized from an underground cellar at a home in a northern coastal suburb of Perth.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) conducted a raid on the home on November 3, seizing 10 unregistered firearms, including two SKS semi-automatic assault rifles capable of firing 40 rounds per minute.
The police also discovered a double barrel shotgun, three bolt action rifles, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and a military-grade smoke grenade.
The AFP alleges the unregistered firearms and ammunition were stored in modified barrel containers in the cellar.
Six legally registered rifles with scopes were also found, kept in a secure gun safe, with the registered owner to be subjected to a "fitness to hold" test under WA's firearms legislation.
The AFP is investigating whether any of the firearms were used in criminal activity.
Operation Athena
The search warrant, executed with the help of WA Police tactical response group and Australian Border Force (ABF), was part of Operation Athena, a national investigation targeting the use and trafficking of illicit firearms.
AFP Inspector Chris Colley highlighted the importance of tracking down unlawful weapons.
"The unlawful trafficking and misuse of firearms is inherently linked to serious and organised criminal networks," he said.
"Removing firearms and other weapons from the community is a vital step in keeping everyone safe from the potential impacts of the harmful and illegal use of these weapons."
ABF Superintendent Clinton Sims said the raid on the Perth home followed a national week of action as part of Operation Athena, which led to 86 arrests and the seizure of more than 700 firearms or firearm parts.
"ABF officers frequently share intelligence and resources with our law enforcement partners to target those who important, manufacture or possess illicit firearms," he said.
