IEDs, weapons and ammunition seized; man charged at Cessnock, NSW

A man has been charged after two improvised explosive devices, weapons and ammunition were located at a home in Cessnock earlier this week.

On Sunday 29 December 2019, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrested a 35-year-old man on Melbourne Street, Aberdare, in relation to an outstanding domestic incident and an alleged aggravated break and enter.

He was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment to heat stroke and other injuries.

Then about 10am on Monday 30 December 2019, police attended a property on Carrol Avenue, Cessnock, for an unrelated incident where they allegedly located two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ammunition.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District then executed a search warrant at the home where they allegedly located and seized ammunition, scopes, a silencer, gun magazines, a rifle, a taser and gun powder.

Specialist police were called to examine the items, which were deemed safe.

The 35-year-old remains in hospital, where yesterday (Wednesday 1 January 2020) he was charged with several driving and domestic-related offences.

Today (Thursday 2 January 2020), he was charged with a further 10 offences, including:

  • Possess unauthorised firearm
  • Possess ammunition without holding permit
  • Make/manufacture explosive/gun powder with intent to injure (x2)
  • Possess explosive/gunpowder with intent to injure etc (x2)
  • Possess or use a prohibited weapon (x4)

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 3 January 2020).

/Public Release. View in full here.