A man has been charged with firearms and property offences following a police operation on the state’s Far North Coast yesterday.
In September this year, detectives from the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command commenced an investigation into the acquisition of firearms across NSW.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 24-year-old man at a service station on the Bruxner Highway at West Ballina just before midday yesterday (Wednesday 6 October 2021).
Investigators were assisted throughout the operation by officers attached to the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU), PolAir, the Dog Unit.
During a search of a vehicle, police located $7000 in cash and a mobile phone.
Officers also allegedly located ammunition inside a jacket in the vehicle and in a bag in boot of the car.
All items, including the vehicle, were seized for further forensic examination.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at a home at East Ballina about 1.45pm.
During the search, police seized two pairs of knuckle dusters, three mobile phones, an electronic storage device, and cannabis.
The Goonellabah man was taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with acquire firearm without licence or permit (pistol), deal with property proceeds of crime, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was refused bailed to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Thursday 7 October 2021).
The Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command aim to disrupt the supply of firearms to specific persons by organised crime syndicates and will allege in court that the man attempted to acquire an unauthorised firearm.
There is no ongoing threat to the community.
