20 firearms seized, man charged, NSW

Police have seized 20 firearms and arrested a man following ongoing investigations into the theft of firearms from rural properties in western NSW, NSW Police say.

Strike Force Laughton was established in March 2017 by officers from Darling River Local Area Command to investigate the theft and supply of firearms in Western NSW.

As a result of investigations, about 10am today, police executed a search warrant at a property in Girilambone, about 70km north of Nyngan.

During the search, police allegedly located 20 firearms, including a hand gun, ammunition, two silencers and a slingshot.

A 56-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Nyngan Police Station.

He was charged with possess or use prohibited weapon without permit, unlawfully sell firearms three or more times and holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage.

He was refused bail and will appear in Dubbo Local Court tomorrow.

Superintendent Greg Moore, Commander of Darling River Local Area Command, said my officers are dedicated in keeping illegal weapons off the streets.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent illegal firearms making their way onto the street," he said.

"Yesterday’s arrest just goes to show the tenacity of investigators in bringing these kinds of operations to a halt"

"We continue to rely on information from the public to stop these types of operations, so if you have any information about illegal firearms please contact us."

Strike Force Laughton investigations continue and more charges are expected to be laid.

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