A 27-year-old Huntly man has been charged after Victoria Police allegedly discovered 15 imitation firearms, police uniforms and other prohibited items during a search warrant executed in regional Victoria.
According to investigators, detectives from the Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit attended a property in Daisy Court, Huntly, shortly before 7am on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation. During the search, officers seized a range of items they allege were unlawfully possessed.
Among the items located were 15 imitation firearms, believed to be gel blasters or replica weapons designed to resemble genuine firearms. Police also seized Victoria Police uniforms, extendable batons, handcuffs, and what were described as fraudulent police identification certificates.
The discovery prompted investigators to arrest the man at the scene before transporting him into custody for questioning.
Following interviews with detectives, the 27-year-old was charged with multiple offences, including 15 counts of possessing imitation firearms, two counts of possessing prohibited weapons, and unauthorised possession of Victoria Police equipment.
Police have not publicly alleged that the imitation firearms were used in the commission of any other offences. However, authorities stressed that replica weapons can create significant safety concerns because they often closely resemble real firearms, making it difficult for members of the public and responding officers to distinguish between the two.
The accused man was later released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on 2 October 2026.
While the case will now proceed through the court system, Victoria Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the seized items remain ongoing.
The incident has also renewed attention on the regulation of imitation firearms in Victoria. Although certain gel blasters and replica firearms are marketed as recreational items in some jurisdictions, Victorian laws impose strict controls on devices that can reasonably be mistaken for genuine firearms.
Authorities have consistently warned that possessing imitation weapons without proper authorisation can lead to serious legal consequences.
The alleged possession of police uniforms and equipment has also raised concerns due to the potential misuse of items that could be used to impersonate law enforcement officers. Police have previously advised the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour involving individuals claiming to be officers.
Residents in Huntly, a growing township on the outskirts of Bendigo, have expressed shock following news of the raid, although police have emphasised that the charges relate specifically to the items allegedly found during the search warrant.
As the matter moves through the courts, prosecutors are expected to outline the circumstances surrounding the investigation and the reasons authorities conducted the search operation.
For now, the accused remains on bail while awaiting his next court appearance, where the allegations against him will be formally considered.
Under Australian law, all individuals charged with criminal offences are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
