Police stopped a black Chevrolet Silverado about 8.45am on Monday on the Tonkin Highway in Wattle Grove, in the city’s east, and allegedly found more than $4000 and an extendable baton.
About 10am, they raided two properties â one residential and one commercial â at Lansdale on Perth’s northern outskirts.
There was a room with several arcade machines in the commercial property.
Police will allege they removed part of one of the machines and found a hidden cavity with $400,000 in cash, several rounds of ammunition and a handgun.Â
Elsewhere, they found a second handgun, several more rounds of ammunition, explosive material and a bulletproof vest.Â
Commander of State Crime Gordon Fairman said the arrest sent a clear message that criminals would be caught and held accountable.
“Our officers use a variety of methods and resources at their disposal to detect concealments of illicitly sourced cash and unlawful firearms, regardless of how creatively criminals try to hide them,” he said.
“Whether the firearms are used to commit offences, or used to cause fear to victims who may be targeted, the risk of a person being seriously injured or killed in a confrontation increases when a firearm is present.
“We have seen the reckless disregard for community safety shown by outlaw motorcycle gang members so we know the removal of these firearms from the hands of gang members has made our community safer.”
The 39-year-old was charged with a range of offences related to weapon possession, along with one count of dealing with money that is the proceeds of crime.
He was due to face Perth Magistrates Court today.
