A man will appear in court today after being charged over alleged firearm offences near Newcastle.
About 6:30am yesterday (Tuesday 20 August 2024), officers attached to the Proactive Crime Team Port Stephens Hunter Police District, assisted by Federal Environmental Officers attended a property on Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, to execute a search warrant in relation to the exportation of native birds.
A 40-year-old man allegedly attempted to flee the property and was stopped and searched, with police allegedly locating and seizing a firearm.
During a subsequent search of the property, officers allegedly located and seized 49 unregistered handguns, 14 unregistered rifles/shotguns, ammunition, firearm parts, drugs, chemicals consistent with the manufacture of gun powder, silver bullion and cash.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with 96 offences, including possess unauthorised pistol, not keep firearm safely-pistol, goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) and possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm.
He was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 21 August 2024).