Raid nets replica weapons

Weapons — including a replica AK47 assault rifle, ammunition and bayonet knives — drugs, cash and fireworks were uncovered during a raid on a Baldivis property last Thursday.

Five people were charged following the bust at the Baldivis Road property.

The raid was part of an ongoing investigation by Rockingham Detectives into three incidents in Kwinana in March when shots were fired at properties.

Detective First Class Dan Cochrane said it was a significant haul and believed many of the weapons could have been used to cause fear in armed robberies.

“It’s better (to have the weapons) in our hands than members of the public who wish to do the wrong things with them,” he said.

“Just by looking at them they look and feel like real firearms.

“They’re actually replica firearms and don’t fire ammunition, but if these are sighted, members of the public, even police, are likely to believe they’re real firearms and act accordingly.”

Det. Cochrane said it was an offence if a person did not have a lawful reason to have items uncovered in last week’s raid.

“If it’s a collector’s item then it’s not an issue,” he said.

“You know it’s a collector’s item because they’re on display.

“Some people collect war relics and army memorabilia, but they don’t have them stashed under beds and cupboards.”

Drug detection dogs and officers from the Tactical Response Group and Australian Federal Police assisted detectives in last week’s search, which also uncovered three laser pointers and drugs believed to be heroin and cannabis.

Following the discovery, a 51-year-old Baldivis man was charged with possessing a controlled weapon, fireworks, drugs and a smoking implement.

A 20-year-old Baldivis man was charged with possessing a controlled weapon and breach of bail and a 50-year-old Baldivis woman, a 45-year-old Warnbro man and a 50-year-old Munster man were all charged with drug offences.

All five are due to appear in the Rockingham Magistrate’s Court on June 21.

A police spokesman said inquiries into the three incidents in Kwinana were continuing.