Victoria Police says a new unit dedicated to firearm offences is already having an effect, seizing dozens of guns across the state.
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The Illicit Firearms Unit has been officially launched, with policing saying it will focus on the trafficking and use of illegal weapons.
"The IFU has already been involved in a number of investigations, resulting in the seizure of over 80 firearms," a police spokesperson said.
"In 2020, there were nine fatal shootings and 41 non-fatal shootings resulting in injury.
"Police across Victoria have also seized more than 770 firearms last year.
"The IFU will be uniquely positioned to use information and intelligence obtained from a range of incidents and investigations to focus on the illicit firearms aspect and follow up the relevant avenues of enquiry.
"This includes forensic tracing in order to link the illicit firearms to any related criminal activity across Victoria and nationally."
Illegal firearms were linked to offences such as homicides, non-fatal shootings, drug manufacture and trafficking, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries, car jackings, extortion and family violence, police said.
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