Police lay charges after assault rifle, pistols and ammunition seized during joint-agency operation

Detectives have charged a man after an assault rifle, two pistols and ammunition were seized following a joint-agency operation targeting the possession of prohibited weapons across Sydney’s south west.

Earlier this month, detectives from the NSW Police Force and Australian Federal Police (AFP) – as part of the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) – received information relating to the possession and supply of prohibited firearms across Sydney.

As part of ongoing inquiries, NAGS investigators conducted two Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches at homes at Guildford and Parramatta and executed two search warrants at homes at Old Guildford and Yagoona, from 6am yesterday (Wednesday 30 September 2020).

Officers were also assisted throughout the operation by the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor.

During the search of the Old Guilford home, investigators seized an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle, two automatic pistols, a silencer, knuckle dusters, a large quantity of ammunition and cannabis.

At the Yagoona home, investigators seized nearly $110,000 cash and nearly 500g of an unidentified white powder.

All items will undergo further examination.

A 27-year-old man was arrested at the Old Guilford home and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

He was charged with three counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, three counts of not keep firearm safely (prohibited firearm), five counts of acquire prohibited firearm part no authority to do so, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and possess prohibited drug.

The man appeared at Fairfield Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 28 October 2020.

Investigations are continuing.

The National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) was established in 2014 as a multi-agency law enforcement taskforce targeting organised criminal syndicates, including those involving members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).

Anyone with information that may assist NAGS investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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