Two men will face court next month charged with firearms offences following an operation in the state's northern tablelands.
Between Friday 26 November 2021 and Sunday 28 November 2021, officers attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team conducted an operation to detect and deter rural crime throughout New England Police District.
About 7pm on Friday 26 November 2021, officers were conducting patrols and spoke to three men parked at a dirt track off Gordon Road, Emmaville.
Following inquiries, officers searched the vehicle and surrounds locating a thermal scope, trail camera, knives, a compound bow, a rifle, and ammunition.
A 36-year-old Coffs Harbour man was arrested and taken to Inverell Police Station.
He was charged with possess unauthorised firearm and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
Following further inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Bradley Street, Coffs Harbour, about 8.40am on Thursday 10 February 2022.
Police seized clothing and arrested a 65-year-old man.
He was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with possess unauthorised firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and larceny.
Both men were given conditional bail to appear at Glen Innes Local Court on Tuesday 15 March 2022.
