A man has been charged over the alleged possession of a pistol which was located in an external garden at a childcare centre four years ago, NSW Police say.
In 2013, detectives from the Firearms Squad established Strike Force Glengarvin to investigate illegal possession and supply of firearms across Sydney.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators, assisted by Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, executed a search warrant at a childcare centre at Greenacre about 9.30pm on Thursday 5 September 2013.
Police located a .445 calibre Webley Mk VI revolver and 58 rounds of ammunition hidden in garden bed on the property.
A thorough search of the centre, which included the use of a firearm-detection dog, was undertaken to ensure there were no other items at the premises which could cause harm to any child or staff member.
The firearm was seized and examined by specialist ballistic and forensic officers.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Glengarvin detectives arrested a 30-year-old man at a corrections facility at Nowra about 10am today.
He was subsequently charged with possess unauthorised pistol, and remains in custody to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 27 September 2017.
Police will allege in court the firearm was hidden at the location without the knowledge of the owner or staff of the childcare centre.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to illegal firearm possession and supply to call Crime Stoppers.
