Raptor Squad have arrested three men following an investigation into the ongoing supply of firearms and illicit drugs in the state's south-east.
Strike Force Heard was established in January 2025 by State Crime Command's Raptor Squad South to investigate the manufacture and supply of Privately Manufactured Firearms (PMFs) and illicit drugs within the Illawarra region.
About 12.30pm yesterday (Monday 31 March 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit, Police Dog Squad, and Pol Air – arrested a 45-year-old man in Shellharbour.
On the man, police located two private manufactured machine guns, ammunition, balaclavas and cable ties.
During a search of the man's property in Gerroa, police located a further four loaded revolver firearms, three ballistic vests, a 3D Printer, an extensive amount of firearm parts including slides, barrels, triggers, magazines, paperwork, electronic devices, mobile phones, and thousands of rounds of various ammunition.
Various firearms manufacture stations were also identified in the premises.
The man was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with 20 charges total, including knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, and 19 other charges relating to the supply, manufacture and possession of firearms and ammunition.
He was refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Tuesday 1 April 2025).
About 12.30pm, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Farmborough Heights where they arrested a 16-year-old teenage boy.
The boy was taken to Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with 16 offences including participate criminal group contribute criminal and other charges relating to the supply and manufacture of firearms.
He was refused bail to appear at a Children's Court today.
In Queensland, with assistance of Queensland Police Task Force Maxima, officers arrested a 43-year-old in Burleigh Beach.
He was taken to Southport Watch House, where Raptor Squad detectives will apply for his extradition to NSW later today.
Investigations under Strike Force Heard continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the supply of illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
