THREE Bendigo men are among ten people issued with Firearm Prohibition Orders by police as part of a series of coordinated raids across Victoria today, in relation to the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
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Properties at Huntly, North Bendigo and Lockwood were among those raided, as well as others in Geelong and Melbourne as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearm use linked to the Rebels across the state.
A 28-year-old North Bendigo male, a 33-year-old Huntly male and a 51-year-old man from Lockwood were among members of the Rebels targeted in the raids.
The Huntly man was also arrested for unrelated arson offences and will now be interviewed by police.
Police also seized drugs, ammunition, six imitation firearms (gel blasters) and firearm parts from the North Bendigo property.
"Firearm Prohibition Orders serve as a powerful tool to hold certain individuals accountable when it comes to the use of illicit firearms," Echo Taskforce Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.
"Outlaw motorcycle gangs remain a significant national problem - not just in our bigger cities but also in regional towns like Bendigo and Geelong.
"This enforcement sends a clear message to OMCG members and associates - police will use every power they have to prevent you from causing harm to the our communities."
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FPOs are a legislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.
The charges relating to FPOs include up to 10 years' imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au
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