Members of the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team have arrested and charged two 18-year-old men with firearms and drugs offences following an operation in Sydney’s south-west today, NSW Police say.
The men were arrested about 6.15pm yesterday at Auburn and taken to Bankstown Police Station where they were interviewed and charged.
They were both charged with seventeen offences, including; unlawfully sell firearms three times or more; supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it (x3); supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it (x2); unauthorised supply of pistol part; supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person (x2); supply, give ammunition to person not authorised (x2); supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis; supply prohibited drug over indictable quantity (x4); and supply prohibited drug greater or equal to commercial quantity.
Both men have been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court tomorrow.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team comprises the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission.
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner, Dave Hudson, Commander of Investigations and Counter Terrorism, moved to reassure the public there is no current or impending threat to the community as part of today’s arrest.
Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner National Security Ian McCartney said this operation demonstrated the flexibility of investigators attached to the JCTT.
"Many of our JCTT investigators have experience in the organised crime environment; if they identify matters during the course of their investigations that concern the supply of drugs and firearms, they will act appropriately to prevent these commodities from reaching our streets and harming the community," Acting Deputy Commissioner McCartney said.
Anyone with information should always come forward no matter how small or insignificant you may think that may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123400.
Support from the NSW community is an important part of keeping NSW safe against acts of terrorism. There are a number of ways individuals and communities can prevent and prepare for emergencies. Members of the public are encouraged to visit secureNSW, the official NSW Government site for Counter Terrorism Information. Visit www.secure.nsw.gov.au
