A man has been charged after police allegedly uncovered a significant cache of illegal firearms at a property in Little River, Victoria. The accused, Mark Joseph Attard, is facing multiple charges following the discovery of dozens of weapons during a raid.
Police raid uncovers arsenal
Detectives from the Victorian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team and the Southern Metro Regional Crime Squad executed a search warrant at the Little River property on Wednesday. During the search, police allegedly located 31 firearms, including rifles and shotguns, as well as ammunition and firearm parts. The weapons were found hidden in various locations around the property.
Charges laid
Mark Joseph Attard, 52, was arrested at the scene and later charged with 31 counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, as well as multiple counts of possessing ammunition without a license. He appeared at the Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was remanded in custody to face court again in February.
Police will allege that Attard did not hold a valid firearms license and that the weapons were stored in unsafe conditions. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community safety concerns
The discovery has raised concerns about illegal firearms in the community. Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Goddard said the seizure was significant and highlighted the dangers of unregistered weapons. “Every illegal firearm has the potential to be used in a crime,” he said. “We are committed to removing these weapons from our streets.”
Local residents expressed shock at the news, with some describing the area as quiet and peaceful. The property owner has not been identified, and neighbors said they were unaware of any suspicious activity.
