NSW police charge man with drug, firearm offences at Lake Illawarra

A man will face court today charged with drug and firearm offences after allegedly attempting to import prohibited firearms.

In February 2020, investigators from the Southern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) commenced an investigation into the alleged illegal importation of firearms in the Oak Flats area.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Oak Flats yesterday (Thursday 5 March 2020).

During the search, officers located methylamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, cash and counterfeit cash.

These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.

A 19-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.

He was charged with 14 offences, including:

– possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purposes,

– possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit,

– possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority,

– intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods,

– cultivate prohibited plant,

– three counts of supply prohibited drug,

– deal with proceeds of crime,

– possess counterfeit money, and

– four counts of possess prohibited drug.

The man was refused bail to face Wollongong Local Court today (Friday 6 March 2020).

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information about the illegal importation of firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

/Public Release. View in full here.