A man is now at the center of a major criminal investigation after being hit with 140 charges for allegedly supplying firearms and other weapons to youth gangs.
Authorities say the extensive list of charges stems from a months-long operation targeting the illegal arms trade feeding violent crime among young people.
Police allege the accused played a key role in distributing weapons that fueled gang-related activity, posing a serious threat to public safety. Investigators believe this case could expose a wider network behind the growing accessibility of illegal weapons.
As the court proceedings unfold, law enforcement officials are urging the community to come forward with any additional information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
Read More: Man Facing 140 Charges for Allegedly Supplying Weapons to Youth Gangs
Cranbourne North Man Facing 140 Charges Over Alleged Weapon Supply to Youth Gangs
A 52-year-old Cranbourne North man is now at the centre of a sweeping criminal case involving the alleged supply of prohibited weapons to youth gang members across Melbourne’s south-east.
He is facing an extensive list of 140 charges, following an investigation led by Victoria Police as part of Operation Alliance, an initiative targeting violent and high-risk youth offenders.
The man was arrested on 25 October at a commercial premises in Narre Warren and subsequently released pending further inquiries.
His arrest marked the culmination of a coordinated series of raids carried out by the Dandenong Youth Gang Team, which uncovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and other contraband believed to be linked to organised youth crime.
Raids Reveal Massive Weapons Haul
Simultaneous search warrants executed at two retail stores—one in Narre Warren and another in Boronia—as well as a factory unit in Dandenong South, resulted in the seizure of over 400 prohibited weapons. Police described the haul as one of the largest of its kind in the region.
- Among the 402 confiscated items were:
- Samurai swords
- Zombie knives
- Butterfly knives
- Daggers
- Flick knives
- Knuckle dusters
- Miniature samurai swords
- Axes
- Three imitation firearms
Authorities believe the assortment of weapons was being sold or made available for sale, in part, to known youth gang affiliates operating within the Greater Dandenong area. The seizure is being hailed by police as a significant disruption to the illicit supply chain arming youth gangs.
Additional Contraband Seized
The operation also uncovered a range of non-weapon contraband, suggesting the man’s alleged criminal activities extended well beyond weapons trafficking. Items seized included:
- 111 cartons of illicit cigarettes
- Approximately 2 kilograms of dried loose-leaf tobacco
- Quantities of methylamphetamine (ice)
- Cannabis and prescription medication
- 17,525 vaping devices, some containing nicotine, with an estimated street value of $461,000
- Laser pointers, which are prohibited in certain contexts
The discovery of illegal drugs, nicotine vapes, and other restricted goods further underscores the scale and scope of the criminal enterprise police believe the man was involved in.
Breakdown of Charges
Following the raids, the man was formally served with 140 charges, encompassing a broad spectrum of weapons, drug, and regulatory offences. The charges include:
- 97 counts of possessing a prohibited weapon without exemption or approval
- 27 counts of possessing a Schedule 4 poison, which typically includes prescription-only medications
- 10 counts of displaying a prohibited weapon for sale
- Four counts of possessing an imitation firearm
- Two counts of possessing tobacco products without proper authorisation
- He has been summonsed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 July, where the case will begin to be heard.
Weapons Linked to Youth Gang Activity
Victoria Police allege that the man knowingly supplied prohibited weapons—including knives, machetes, and other dangerous items—to individuals associated with violent youth gangs.
The alleged distribution network was focused on the Greater Dandenong region, an area that has seen a rise in youth gang activity in recent years.
Investigators believe the weapons were being used to commit or facilitate violent acts, territorial disputes, and intimidation within the community.
The man is suspected of acting as a key conduit for these weapons entering the hands of minors and known offenders.
Part of Operation Alliance Crackdown
The arrest forms part of the broader Operation Alliance, Victoria Police’s flagship initiative aimed at disrupting, deterring, and dismantling violent youth gangs. Established to combat the rise in youth gang-related violence, the task force operates across multiple jurisdictions and targets repeat offenders.
According to police, over the past year alone, 387 known youth gang members have been arrested 1,432 times collectively. These arrests have led to a total of 3,286 charges, spanning violent crimes, weapons offences, and drug-related incidents.
Among those apprehended, a core group of 249 repeat offenders remains a persistent concern. Each of these individuals has been arrested more than three times in the past 12 months, with 59 of them arrested over 10 times.
Police say this concentrated group of high-risk offenders presents a “specific challenge” due to their recurring involvement in criminal activities and resistance to rehabilitation or diversion programs.
Police Statement and Community Impact
Detective Inspector Scott Colson from the Southern Metro Region Crime Squad praised the diligence of officers involved in the operation and emphasized the seriousness of the charges.”
This arrest and seizure demonstrate our commitment to cutting off the supply lines feeding youth gang violence. These weapons aren’t just illegal—they’re deadly. The impact on community safety cannot be overstated.”
He added that community cooperation and continued intelligence gathering remain vital in tackling the underground market for prohibited weapons, especially those marketed as collectibles or novelty items.
Police have urged members of the public to report any suspicious sales or stockpiles of illegal weapons, especially those masquerading as decorative pieces but ultimately serving violent purposes.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The case against the Cranbourne North man is expected to be closely followed given its implications for youth gang activity, illegal weapons distribution, and potential ties to broader organised crime networks.
Legal experts anticipate that prosecutors will seek to establish not only the man’s possession and distribution of weapons but also his intent and knowledge of their end-use among gang members.
If convicted on multiple counts, he could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and asset seizure.The upcoming court date on 16 July at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court will mark the first step in what is likely to be a complex legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the accused in this case?
The accused is a 52-year-old man from Cranbourne North, who was arrested in Narre Warren on 25 October. He has been released pending further inquiries and is facing 140 criminal charges.
What is he accused of doing?
Police allege he was selling and distributing prohibited weapons—such as knives and machetes—to known youth gang members operating in the Greater Dandenong area.
When and where will the accused appear in court?
He is scheduled to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 July.
What is Operation Alliance?
Operation Alliance is a long-term initiative by Victoria Police aimed at tackling serious and violent youth offenders—especially those affiliated with youth gangs. It focuses on disrupting criminal networks, seizing illegal weapons, and holding repeat offenders accountable.
How widespread is youth gang activity in Greater Dandenong?
According to Victoria Police, 387 known youth gang members have been arrested 1,432 times over the past year, resulting in 3,286 charges. A core group of 249 offenders has been arrested more than three times, with 59 arrested over 10 times—making them a persistent challenge for law enforcement.
Conclusion
The case involving the 52-year-old Cranbourne North man facing 140 charges marks a significant escalation in Victoria Police’s ongoing crackdown on youth gang-related crime. With hundreds of prohibited weapons seized—ranging from zombie knives and samurai swords to imitation firearms—the scope of this investigation reveals the disturbing scale of illegal arms trafficking within suburban Melbourne.
