Police have seized unregistered firearms and detected biosecurity offences following a livestock audit and firearm storage inspections in the state's Riverina.
In 2019, officers attached to the Riverina Police District commenced an investigation into the theft of livestock in the Tumbarumba area.
About just after 8am yesterday (Wednesday 26 May 2021), officers attached to the Riverina, Murray River, and Monaro Rural Crime Prevention Teams – assisted by the RSPCA and Local Land Services – conducted inspections at three properties managed by a 48-year-old man.
During the searches at two locations along Courabyra Road, Tumbarumba, and another on Yenches Road, Lankeys Creek, police seized seven firearms belonging to the man. It will be alleged they weren't being stored safely, with one found loaded inside a safe with the key inserted.
His firearms licence was suspended.
An inspection at another property found firearms and ammunition belonging to an 86-year-old man did not meet safe storage standards.
Police seized nine firearms –two of which were unregistered - and suspended his firearms licence.
Additionally, police will allege the management of cattle and sheep mustered on the three properties were not recorded correctly.
As inquiries continue, charges are expected to be laid.
