Two firearms and part of a NSW Police uniform have been seized and a man charged with multiple firearms offences as part of an ongoing investigation by Strike Force Raptor investigators.
About 12.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 May 2020), police spoke with a 66-year-old man, who is currently subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order, on Austral Avenue, Westmead, as he approached his vehicle.
During a subsequent search of the man and his car, investigators located and seized a vial of liquid, believed to be GBL.
Shortly after, police conducted a search of the man’s nearby home and seized firearm cleaning brushes, star knives and a NSW Police Force-issued cap.
Following further inquiries, detectives were granted access to a neighbouring property to extend their search, where they located a rifle case, containing a .22 calibre rifle and a .223 calibre rifle.
Both firearms will undergo forensic and ballistic examination.
The man was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of possess unregistered firearm-not prohibited firearm/pistol, two counts of not keep firearm safely-not prohibited firearm/pistol, two counts of possess unauthorised firearm, two counts of acquire etc firearm – subject to prohibition order, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order, possess prohibited drug and not police officer/special constable wear etc police uniform.
Police will allege in court that the man was illegally storing the rifles in the backyard of the vacant property next door.
He was refused bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court today (Thursday 28 May 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Raptor are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
