Police have recovered a haul of stolen guns and ammunition in a storage unit in Perth's southern suburbs.
Detectives raided the unit on Eddison Circuit in Forrestdale on Monday, seizing a large number of firearms that were believed to be stolen from Barry & Sons Firearms in Beckenham last week.
They also executed search warrants at properties in Seville Grove, Cloverdale, Wilson, Malaga and Midland.
Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch said the officers attached to Taskforce Newstead worked tirelessly over the last week to identify those involved and recover the firearms before they could make it onto the black market.
“The recovery of the stolen firearms has been a high priority for WA Police Force," Deputy Commissioner Blanch said.
"It was only a matter of time before the firearms would have made it onto the black market and into the hands of people who could have caused great harm to the community."
It is alleged the 81-year-old owner of the Beckenham gun shop was kidnapped after a staged car crash on Wednesday evening.
The offenders then allegedly drove him in a Mercedes van to the shop and forced him to open a vault containing hundreds of guns.
“Lastly, it is important we don’t forget the victim in this matter – an 81-year-old man who was going about his own lawful business," Deputy Commissioner Blanch said.
"Barry had done everything he could to secure his store, and has assisted WA Police Force throughout this investigation.
"His ability to remain calm in what would have been a terrifying ordeal is a credit to him, and I thank him for the way in which he has worked with our detectives to progress this investigation.”
The van was recovered on Monday night during a raid at a property on Manning Road in Wilson.
A 23-year-old man from Seville Grove, who was arrested near the storage unit in Forrestdale, remains in custody.
He has been charged with deprivation of liberty, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and stealing.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court this afternoon.
Several other people were also arrested during the search warrants but have since been released pending further investigation.
“The investigation is still ongoing as Taskforce Newstead works to establish whether a broader criminal syndicate was involved," Deputy Commissioner Blanch said.
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