A man has been charged with firearms offences after several weapons were seized during a search warrant in the New England area yesterday.
In May 2024, Armidale detectives and investigators from the Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced an investigation after receiving information about the suspected possession of illegal firearms in the New England area.
About 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 30 July 2024), officers from the New England Police District and ABF investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Kareela Road, Invergowrie, near Armidale.
At the scene, a 42-year-old man was placed under arrest and Firearm and Weapons Prohibition Orders were served on him.
A subsequent search of the property allegedly revealed three firearms, including a prohibited Sterling semi-automatic .22 calibre rifle, and approximately 1500 rounds of various calibre ammunition.
The man was taken to Armidale Police Station where he was charged with six offences: possess unregistered firearm (two counts), possess prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safely (two counts) and possess ammunition without holding a licence.
The man was also charged with one count of intentionally import prohibited tier 2 goods without approval contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
He was refused bail to appear before Armidale Local Court today (Wednesday 31 July 2024).
