Four charged, semi-automatic rifle and handguns seized, NSW

Raptor Squad have arrested four people and seized numerous firearms as part of ongoing investigations into alleged firearm offences by senior members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).

Last month, officers attached to the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad established Strike Force Verrill to investigate the alleged possession of firearms by senior Rebels OMCG members.

During the investigation, police identified a location used for the storage of firearms in Sydney’s south-west, and subsequently seized an AR15 semi-automatic rifle, two Glock semi-automatic 9mm pistols with serial numbers removed, a.22 calibre revolver, numerous rounds of ammunition, and additional magazines.

Following extensive inquiries, police executed three search warrants at homes in West Hoxton and Abbotsbury, and a business in Narellan from 6am yesterday (Tuesday 22 March 2022).

During subsequent searches, police located and seized a stolen BMW M3, a revolver, ammunition, steroids, prescription medication, and other items relevant to investigations.

All items seized will undergo further forensic examination.

A 42-year-old man was arrested at the West Hoxton home, while three other men – aged 38, 74, and 45 – were arrested at the Abbotsbury address.

All four were taken to Liverpool Police Station.

Two of the men – aged 42 and 38 – were each charged with possess more than three unregistered firearms, one is prohibited pistol, and stalk or intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal).

Additionally, the 38-year-old was charged three further offences, including demand with menaces intend obtain gain/cause loss, possess ammunition without holding licence or permit or authority, and possess or attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.

A 74-year-old man was charged with three offences, including possess ammunition without holding licence or permit or authority, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, and not keep firearm safely – prohibited firearm.

All three were refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Wednesday 23 March 2022).

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man was charged with possess prohibited drug and granted conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Monday 4 April 2022.

Raptor Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Chris Goddard, said police will allege two of the men had imminent plans to leave Australia to participate in gang activity overseas.

“Our interstate law enforcement counterparts were instrumental in helping us disrupt two of these men – who are high-ranking Rebels members – from travelling to Malta for a so-called ‘worldwide run’,” Det A/Supt Goddard said.

“We will be alleging those men, through intimidation, forced a third-party to store firearms and ammunition against their will and stole then attempted to sell that person’s vehicle as so-called ‘punishment’.

“Anyone who thinks they can engage in this type of behaviour and then head overseas needs to reconsider.

“The reality for OMCGs is that police across jurisdictions – both nationally and internationally – will continue to relentlessly target their members until they can no longer inflict harm on our communities,” Det A/Supt Goddard said.

Anyone with information that may assist Raptor Squad investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

/Public Release. View in full here.