Penrith RES investigators have charged a man with manufacturing prohibited firearms after seizing three homemade sub-machine guns at a property in Sydney's west yesterday.
Earlier this month, officers from Penrith Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Elbon to investigate the manufacture of prohibited firearms in Sydney's west.
Following extensive investigations, Penrith RES, with assistance from North West Metropolitan Operations Support Groups (OSG), arrested a 45-year-old man outside a licenced premise at Smith Street, Penrith, about 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 December 2020).
In a subsequent search of the man, officers located and seized $6,000 cash.
A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home at South Penrith, where officers seized 50 exhibits including three illegally manufactured sub-machine firearms.
Further weapons including numerous firearms parts, ammunition, knuckle dusters, nun-chucks and an electronic stun device were seized.
Investigators also located a stolen motorcycle, documentation and prohibited drugs including 1kg of iodine, and amounts of cocaine, methylamphetamine (ice) and heroin.
All items seized during the operation will undergo further examination.
The man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, three counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Thursday 24 December 2020).
Penrith Region Enforcement Squad Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Ashlee DeBakker, said the homemade firearms have been seized for forensic examination.
"Our investigators have worked swiftly to respond to information relating to the manufacture of prohibited weapons in the local area and have successfully removed extremely harmful guns and weapons from the community," Det A/Insp DeBakker said.
"Police will allege in court this man was manufacturing powerful firearms in his home and along with the weapons, officers also seized instruction manuals and a variety of other firearm parts.
"The community should be reassured that our officers, together with police across the state, will continue to target those intent on causing harm to others," Det A/Insp DeBakker said.
Investigations by Penrith RES are continuing.
Anyone with information about the supply or manufacture of prohibited firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
