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AK-47 seized in raid on Wangara warehouse by organised crime squad detectives

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Sarah StegerThe West Australian
VideoPolice have seized guns and drugs after raiding two properties in Perth

A WA man will today front court on 20 illicit firearm charges after detectives found 11 guns at a warehouse in Wangara, including a disassembled AK-47 and a SKS semi-automatic rifle.

The 28-year-old Marangaroo man was charged with 17 firearm possession-related offences after organised crime squad detectives searched the warehouse facility on Paramount Drive on July 14.

Officers seized 10 firearms, including the semi-automatic rifle and the AK-47 and then executed a second search warrant at home on Otunic Way in Madeley, where it will be alleged detectives found a double-barrel shotgun, $35,115 cash, a cannister of pepper spray, 2g of methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

A 27-year-old Madeley woman was later charged with the possessing a firearm/ammunition, possessing a controlled weapon and two counts each of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property and possessing any drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant.

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She appeared in the Joondalup Magistrate’s Court on Monday and is next due in court on August 31.

The man is facing 11 counts of possessing a firearm/ammunition, six counts of possessing a firearm with circumstances of aggravation, four counts of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property, three counts of possessing any drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant and one count each of an unlicensed person coming into possession of three or more firearms and possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply (Methylamphetamine).

He was refused bail in the Joondalup Magistrate’s Court on July 15 and is next due in court court today.

An organised crime squad spokesperson said illicit firearms such as those seized pose a significant threat to the Western Australia community.

“We know when in the hands of the wrong people the presence of illicit firearms can end in tragedy,” they said in a statement.

“Whether they are used for the purposes of intimidation or threats, to aid the committing of violent crimes, or exchanged for other illicit commodities such as drugs, their presence in situations that could escalate to violence is a concern.

“The identification of people involved in the supply and distribution of illicit firearm remains a priority for law enforcement agencies across the country, and WA Police Force will continue to actively pursue any person involved the illicit firearms trade — regardless of whether they are a buyer, a seller or a facilitator. “

Anyone with information regarding illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online. Callers can remain anonymous.

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