DETECTIVES from the drug and firearm squad have charged a 26-year-old High Wycombe man following an investigation into his alleged possession and manufacture of illicit firearm components.

On July 20 and July 22, officers from the Australian Border Force intercepted two consignments containing firearm parts destined for Western Australia.

As a result, and acting on community information provided to police, detectives from the drug and firearm squad, with assistance from the Tactical Response Group, executed a search warrant at a residence on Citrus Grove in High Wycombe, on Sunday, August 2.

The 26-year-old man was located inside the residence and taken into custody.

It will be alleged police seized weapons and firearm related items, including three privately manufactured firearms (PMF), two homemade tasers, paintball gun, replica firearm, BB gun, throwing knives and ammunition.

It will be further alleged police located various quantities of methylamphetamine, cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

The 26-year-old man from High Wycombe has been charged with the following 13 offences including three charges of possessing or acquiring ammunition while not being authorised by a licence or permit, two counts of manufacturing a prohibited weapon and one count each of unlawfully possessing three or more firearms or major firearm parts for different firearms, unlawfully possessing a prescribed paintball gun or major part of a prescribed paintball gun, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a controlled weapon.

He was further charged with one count each of possessing methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant, carrying or possessing an edged weapon and possessing a prohibited plant.

He appeared before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday, August 3 where he was granted bail with conditions and a $5000 personal undertaking and $5000 surety.

Following his appearance in Midland Magistrates Court on September 11 he was remanded through to October 23 for his next hearing.

Detective acting superintendent Anna Shaw of the serious and organised crime division said the illegal importation, manufacture and possession of firearms and firearm parts posed a significant threat to community safety.

“WA Police has zero tolerance for this type of offending. We continue to work closely with national and international partners to monitor emerging trends and target individuals involved in offences, including those involving PMFs. If you choose to engage, expect to be caught.

“We thank members of the public for information that can lead to illegal firearms and firearm related parts being taken off WA streets.”

Anyone with any information in relation to criminal activity, including the use of firearms and firearm related items, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.