NSW Police Force

08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 20:21

Raptor Squad officers charge two men over the alleged sale of firearms in Hunter

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Raptor Squad officers charge two men over the alleged sale of firearms in Hunter

Thursday, 29 August 2024 12:14:46 PM

Raptor Squad officers have charged two Hunter men following an investigation into the alleged sale of multiple firearms.

In August 2024, officers attached to State Crime Command's Raptor Squad launched an investigation into the sale of multiple firearms by OMCG members.

Following investigations, Raptor North officers arrested a 30-year-old man - an alleged member of the Finks OMCG - at a home on Greville Street, Beresfield, about 8.10am yesterday (Wednesday 28 August 2024) before taking him to Maitland Police Station.

A short time later police executed a search warrant at a home on View Street, East Branxton.

During the search Raptor Squad officers located and seized a Glock firearm, a taser, a baton, knuckle dusters, ecstasy tablets, six vials of steroids and over $2000 cash.

Officers arrested a 19-year-old man at the property - after he allegedly attempted to flee and hide from police in the home - before taking him to Cessnock Police Station.

The 30-year-old man was charged with three counts of supply firearm not inspect prescribed documents, three counts of supply firearm not inspect prescribed documents, three counts of possess prohibited drug, two counts of possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, two counts of supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime less than $5000.

The 19-year-old man was charged with three counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possess/attempt to, anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent, acquire firearm no licence/permit not pistol/prohibited firearm, possess unauthorised pistol, supply prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000.

The older man was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court yesterday, while the younger man was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 29 August 2024).

Police will allege in court the older man sold multiple firearms including rifles and shotguns and that the younger man purchased one of these firearms recently.

Investigations continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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