Three arrested as part of an investigation into illegal firearms and drug supply – Hunter region

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have arrested two men and a woman after seizing a shortened rifle, ammunition, prohibited drugs and $8000 cash in the state’s Hunter Region.
In February this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Drail to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms across the state.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed four search warrants at properties at Cessnock today (Thursday 22 April 2021).
During the searches, detectives seized a shortened rifle, prohibited drugs, mobile phones, ammunition and $8000 cash.
About 6.20am (Thursday 22 April 2021), detectives attended a home at Cessnock, where they located prohibited drugs, cash, and phones. A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A second search warrant was executed simultaneously at a nearby property, where police seized prohibited drugs, a firearm, ammunition and an electronic control device.
About 6.35am, investigators stopped vehicle on Alexander Street, Cessnock, and spoke to 26-year-old man.
During a subsequent search of the car, police a located prohibited drug, a knife, and cash. The man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A short time later, detectives attended another home at Cessnock, where they seized a phone, cash, and cannabis.
About 6.40am, another search warrant was executed at a fourth Cessnock home, where police they seized cash, prohibited drugs and capsicum spray. A 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
All seized items will be forensically examined.
Charges are expected to be laid later today, and inquiries continue.