Drug & Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man for allegedly manufacturing firearms in Taree under Strike Force Temarang.
Strike Force Temarang was established by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad, the Department of Home Affairs, AUSTRAC and the Australian Federal Police to target and disrupt illicit firearm activity.
Just after 7.30am on Wednesday (20 September 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from Manning Great Lakes Police District – executed a search warrant on Smith Street,Taree.
During the search, police located and seized a dismantled 3D printed firearm, seven boxes of manufactured firearm magazines, firearm parts, a 3D printer, $11,000 cash, and other items consistent with the manufacture of firearms.
Police also seized four rifles, two pistols and a large amount of ammunition that were registered to the occupant of the home – a 57-year-old man – as well as suspending the man’s firearms licence.
He was arrested at the scene and taken to Taree Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit, manufacture prohibited weapon without a permit, deal with property proceeds of crime
The man was refused bail and appeared at Taree Local Court yesterday (Thursday 21 September 2023), where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Monday 27 November 2023.
Police will allege in court the man was using 3D printers to manufacture prohibited firearms and parts for financial gain.
Strike Force Temarang continues.
Anyone with information that may assist 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.
