Two charged over stolen firearms haul

Two Eaglehawk men have been charged after police allegedly seized seven firearms, including several believed to have been stolen during a burglary at a rural Corop property.

Detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad executed search warrants at two Eaglehawk properties on Wednesday, 15 July, as part of an investigation into the theft of firearms.

Police allege they located three stolen firearms and a drone, which investigators believe were taken during a burglary at a rural property in Corop on Saturday, 11 July.

A further four firearms were also seized and police are continuing to investigate their origin.

A 31-year-old Eaglehawk man, who police allege has links to an Outlaw Motorcycle Group, was arrested and charged with burglary, three counts of theft of firearm, four counts of theft, possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms, possessing a category handgun and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

A 35-year-old Eaglehawk man was charged with burglary, three counts of theft of firearm, four counts of theft, possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms and possessing a category handgun.

Both men were remanded to appear before Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 16 July.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Goss from the Western Region Crime Squad said police remained focused on disrupting the illegal firearm trade.

“Illicit firearms have absolutely no place in our community and police remain committed to removing them from the wrong hands.”

Police are urging anyone with information about illicit firearm possession to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.