Victoria Police have uncovered 930 prohibited weapons during a raid on a factory in Dandenong South, as part of a wider crackdown on illegal knife sales across the state.
The Springvale Divisional Response Unit launched an investigation after learning that an online business was allegedly selling prohibited weapons without the required licences or permits. Authorities believe the company was targeting known youth offenders.
On 10 February, police executed a search warrant at a factory on Goodall Close, which was being used as the business’s distribution hub. Among the seized weapons were samurai swords, zombie knives, and katana swords.
A 40-year-old Toorak man, identified as the company’s director, was interviewed at Springvale Police Station on 25 February. He is expected to be charged on summons with offences related to selling prohibited weapons to minors, displaying prohibited weapons for sale, and possession without exemption.
Record Number of Knives Seized in 2024
The operation comes amid a record-breaking year for weapons seizures in Victoria. In 2024 alone, police have confiscated 14,797 knives, swords, daggers, and machetes—the highest number in the past decade. This marks a rise from 13,063 in 2023 and 11,331 in 2015.
Despite the increase in weapon seizures, police have reported a 3.6% drop in stabbings, with 618 incidents recorded in 2024, down from 641 the previous year. More than half of these stabbings occurred in residential settings, with a fifth linked to family violence.
Police Crack Down on Illegal Knife Trade
Acting Commander Michael Cruse, who oversees Victoria Police’s knife crime portfolio, acknowledged community concerns about knife-related violence.
“We know the carriage and use of knives creates fear and apprehension within the community,”
He said.
Inspector Natalie Dollard, who leads investigations in Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia, issued a warning to those involved in the illegal weapons trade.
“If you are knowingly selling prohibited weapons to anyone, particularly children, there are serious repercussions,”
She said.
Victoria Police continue to work alongside the Australian Border Force to monitor and intercept illegal weapons entering the country.
Anyone with information about prohibited weapons can contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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