Police first caught wind of “The Armoury” over six months ago—a clandestine operation likened to an Amazon service for firearms, where high-powered guns were allegedly sold to criminals on demand. This discovery, made in a nondescript two-storey house in Glen Waverley, has sent shockwaves through law enforcement and the community alike.
During a raid on September 22, the illicit firearms squad uncovered a secure room containing a cache of two dozen firearms, including machine guns, assault rifles, and high-powered handguns. An underworld source estimates the street value of these weapons at over $300,000. A 33-year-old man, allegedly living rent-free in exchange for overseeing the stockpile, now faces more than 60 criminal charges. The homeowner, unaware of the illegal activities, was shocked to learn their property had become a criminal syndicate’s asset.
Unraveling the Mystery of The Armoury
While the true mastermind behind the cache remains elusive, police and underworld sources suggest it is not directly linked to any of the city’s notorious crime gangs. Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald emphasized the dangers posed by such stockpiles, stating, “When you have people stockpiling weapons for any reason, there can be no good outcomes.” She added that those facilitating the movement and storage of firearms are crucial enablers of violent crime.
Victoria Police have not disclosed how they confirmed the existence of The Armoury, noting that small details from local residents often play a significant role in such investigations. This discovery is part of a broader crackdown on organized crime and firearms, with police uncovering over 90 firearms across the city since mid-August.
Criminal Syndicates and Their Arsenal
Among the recent operations, a stash allegedly linked to the powerful Hamad syndicate was found to contain explosives suspected to be stolen from a chemical factory. This group, led by Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, has been implicated in a series of violent incidents, including firebombings and shootings.
Another raid targeted properties associated with the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang, resulting in the recovery of 57 firearms and four 3D printers. These operations highlight the evolving strategies of criminal groups to evade law enforcement, particularly since the introduction of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) in 2018. These orders allow police to search individuals and their surroundings without a warrant, prompting criminals to adopt more sophisticated methods for acquiring and storing weapons.
The Rise of 3D-Printed Firearms
An alarming trend is the increasing use of 3D printers to manufacture firearms. Several raids have uncovered “sophisticated” homemade weapons, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement. According to Bendle, a security expert, “Right now, someone could have a whole range of legal things… And everything is legal until they press the button and print the chassis for the firearm.”
Bendle advocates for stricter regulations, including banning the possession and distribution of blueprints for 3D-printed guns. This sentiment is echoed by law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions, as they grapple with the implications of this technology.
Implications and Future Steps
The discovery of The Armoury and similar operations have significant implications for public safety and law enforcement strategies. As criminal syndicates become more resourceful, authorities must adapt their tactics to effectively combat the illegal arms trade. This includes leveraging community intelligence, enhancing technological capabilities, and advocating for legislative changes to address emerging threats like 3D-printed firearms.
As investigations continue, the public remains on high alert, with authorities urging vigilance and cooperation. The battle against organized crime and the illegal arms trade is far from over, but each successful operation brings law enforcement one step closer to dismantling these dangerous networks.
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