This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force

An alleged WA Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) member has been charged over the discovery of a loaded Glock 26 pistol that has its serial number removed.

The Western Australian National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) and Western Australia Police Force Gang Response Team arrested the 32-year-old man, allegedly a member of the gang's West Coast chapter, at his Landsdale home on Monday, 20 July, 2020.

He is expected to appear in Joondalup Magistrate's Court today (Friday, 31 July 2020) charged with possessing an unlicensed firearm in circumstances of aggravation, contrary to section 19 of the Firearms Act (WA).

NAGS investigators found the loaded gun in bushland in Perth's northern suburbs on Friday, 17 July 2020.

Police had stopped the 32-year-old and two other alleged Comanchero members in the area earlier that day in a suspected stolen four wheel drive.

The NAGS officers then received information that the Mitsubishi Triton 4WD and its occupants had been seen acting suspiciously in the area not long before they were pulled over, prompting officers to search the area and find the gun.

The discovery of the gun came less than 24 hours after the 32-year-old man's Mercedes Benz had been set on fire and destroyed outside his home.

Police had been monitoring the man and known associates to prevent further incidents, including any retaliatory attacks.

AFP Sergeant Glenn Tankard, from WA NAGS, said removing any illicit firearms from the streets is a win for police because of the risk they pose to the community.

"Criminals use firearms to intimidate and hurt others," Sergeant Tankard said.

"Often they are targeting other criminals, but there have been cases around Australia where innocent people have been caught in the crossfire. If this gun had instead been found by a child, it could have had a devastating outcome."

WA NAGS, comprising of members from the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia Police Force and Australian Taxation Office, targets OMCG involved in the movement of illicit drugs into and within Australia.

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