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WWII German-made submachine gun among weapons, drugs seized in Geraldton house raid

Tamra Carr, Gavin Box and Francesca MannGeraldton Guardian
Firearms allegedly seized during a police raid on the Rangeway property.
Camera IconFirearms allegedly seized during a police raid on the Rangeway property. Credit: Tamra Carr, The Geraldton Guardian

A major raid on a Geraldton property allegedly uncovered weapons including a high-powered military grade firearm not seen before in Australia.

Police are investigating how a German-made World War II submachine gun made it across Australia’s borders.

The weapon, capable of firing between 500 and 550 rounds a minute, was seized during a police raid on a house in Geraldton last week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Levinia Hugo with the German MP40 submachine gun allegedly recovered from the Rangeway house.
Camera IconDetective Senior Sergeant Levinia Hugo with the German MP40 submachine gun allegedly recovered from the Rangeway house. Credit: Tamra Carr, The Geraldton Guardian
A knife allegedly seized during the police raid on the Rangeway property.
Camera IconA knife allegedly seized during the police raid on the Rangeway property. Credit: Picture: Tamra Carr, Tamra Carr, The Geraldton Guardian
Ammunition allegedly seized during the police raid on the Rangeway property.
Camera IconAmmunition allegedly seized during the police raid on the Rangeway property. Credit: Tamra Carr, The Geraldton Guardian

It was one of six weapons police allegedly seized, including a cattle euthaniser re-purposed to fire a round, and a knife capable of firing a .22 round.

Officers also allegedly seized ammunition and 0.2g of methampetamine.

A 60-year-old Rangeway man was due to face Geraldton Magistrate’s Court today in relation to the incident.

Robert John Wheeley has been charged with 10 firearms offences and one count of possession of a prohibited drug (methamphetamine).

An officer carrying a door ram at the scene on Friday.
Camera IconAn officer carrying a door ram at the scene on Friday. Credit: Adam Poulsen
Police searched a house on the corner of Challener Street in Rangeway on February 8.
Camera IconPolice searched a house on the corner of Challener Street in Rangeway on February 8. Credit: Geraldton Guardian, Francesca Mann The Geraldton Guardian
The front door to the Rangeway house police were searching on February 8. A sealed bag marked “rubbish” is on the floor.
Camera IconThe front door to the Rangeway house police were searching on February 8. A sealed bag marked “rubbish” is on the floor. Credit: Francesca Mann

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