Man Charged with 96 Firearm Offences
Breaking News: Man Charged with 96 Firearm Offences After Major Seizure Near Newcastle
A 40-year-old man will face court today after being charged with 96 offences, including firearm and drug-related charges, following a major police operation near Newcastle.
Around 6:30 am yesterday, officers from the Port Stephens Hunter Police District’s Proactive Crime Team, assisted by Federal Environmental Officers, executed a search warrant at a property on Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown. The warrant was related to the illegal exportation of native birds.
The man allegedly attempted to flee but was stopped and searched, with police seizing a firearm. A subsequent search of the property led to the seizure of 49 unregistered handguns, 14 unregistered rifles and shotguns, ammunition, firearm parts, drugs, chemicals used in the manufacture of gunpowder, silver bullion, and cash.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with multiple offences, including possessing unauthorized pistols, failing to safely store firearms, and possessing unregistered firearms. He has been refused bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court today.