The authorities declared that a comprehensive state-wide operation wrapped up on Friday. During this operation, search warrants were executed at 70 locations linked to the sovereign citizen movement.

This initiative follows the shooting deaths of two police officers in Victoria, an act allegedly committed by Dezi Freeman, who claims allegiance to the sovereign citizen ideology. Freeman remains at large in rural Victoria.

Sovereign citizen is a term for people who hold extreme anti-government views, who believe laws and regulations don’t apply to them.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said despite their beliefs, sovereign citizens were not above the law.

“The recent murder of two serving police officers in country Victoria was allegedly committed by a sovereign citizen,” he said.

“In response to this tragic event, I directed my officers to carry out a review and risk assessment of those in Western Australia who possess firearms licenses and share beliefs with the sovereign citizen ideology,” a statement said.

It was explained that those who adhere to sovereign citizen beliefs reject the authority of laws established by elected government officials over them.

Police say they found 135 firearms, and cancelled or suspended 44 firearms licences in the operation.

Police Minister Reece Whitby was fully supportive of the measures and the operation.

“No one is above the law, and that includes anyone who declares they are a sovereign citizen,” he said.

“[They] oppose the laws that are the cornerstone of a free and democratic community, which has the potential to threaten public safety.”