A further two men will face court today following an investigation into a house fire, and the alleged theft of firearms and property in the state's north earlier this month.
On Saturday 14 August 2021, emergency services were called to a property on the Gwydir Highway, Bullarah, following reports of a house fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, however the house, which was not occupied, was completely destroyed.
Officers from New England Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the cause of the fire, which was treated as suspicious.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police established a number of firearms, about 4000 rounds of ammunition and two motor vehicles had been stolen from the property, before the house was allegedly set on fire.
A man and a woman were arrested and charged on Sunday (22 August 2021). They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, about 3pm yesterday (Monday 23 August 2021), officers arrested a 32-year-old man after he was found hiding in a vacant industrial shed on the corner of Gosport and Thompson streets, Moree.
He was taken to Moree Police Station and charged with supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, supply, give ammunition to person not authorised, receive/dispose stolen property and supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it.
Local police also executed a search warrant at a home on River Street, Moree, yesterday, where they located and seized an air rifle and ammunition.
A 19-year-old man was taken to Moree Police Station and charged with acquire firearm - subject to prohibition order and acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order.
The man was further charged with unrelated offences including larceny, break and enter dwelling-house with intent, dishonestly obtain financial advantage, possess loaded firearm public place, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Moree Local Court today (Tuesday 24 August 2021).
So far during the investigation, police have recovered 14 firearms, a large amount of ammunition and a quad bike believed to be stolen.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
