Detectives from the Drug and Firearm Squad have charged 12 people after carrying out 15 raids across the Perth metropolitan area last week.
During the three day operation, police allegedly seized 13 firearms, including a homemade torch gun, about 1600 rounds of ammunition, 24 weapons including double-edged machetes, ASP batons, OC spray, throwing stars and slingshots and six stolen motor vehicles.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Froude, Officer in Charge of the Drug & Firearm Squad, said community safety was a driving force behind the operation.
“Illicit firearms pose a significant threat to the community, particularly when they fall into the hands of serious and organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs," he said.
“This particular operation focussed on people in the metropolitan area who our intelligence holdings suggested were in possession of illicit firearms.
"By removing those firearms from the community now we reduce the risk of seeing those firearms being involved in serious crimes.
“We will continue to work with local police and specialist units such as the Tactical Response Group and Gang Crime Squad to target persons involved in the illicit firearm trade and keep the WA community safe.”
Mandurah teacher who raped student to remain on bail
Man charged after allegedly exposing himself to girl on Transperth bus in Lakelands
Fire rips through Golden Bay home
Firefighters battle bushfire near Nambeelup
Alcoa Children's Festival cancelled due to severe weather
Man charged over crime rampage from Furnissdale to Kwinana
Damaging winds forecast for Harvey, Dwellingup, Pinjarra
Southern suburbs man claims $15 million Lotto win after eventually answering life-changing call from Lotterywest
Two women taken to hospital after Kwinana Freeway crash