Two men have been arrested after investigators seized two 3D-printed submachine guns, nine stolen vehicles and explosives during a joint-agency operation targeting the manufacture and supply of prohibited firearms.
In May last year, detectives from the NSW Police Force and Australian Federal Police (AFP) – as part of the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) – commenced an investigation after receiving information relating to the manufacture and supply of prohibited firearms across the state.
During the investigation, NAGS investigators, together with the State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad, seized two 3D-printed submachine guns, three firearms and 28 sticks of explosives earlier this year.
Following extensive investigations, officers executed five search warrants at Georges Hall, Bankstown and Brighton Le-Sands from 6am yesterday (Tuesday 1 June 2021).
During the search of the Georges Hall home, NAGS investigators seized mobile phones, and electronic devices.
Two luxury vehicles – including a Range Rover and Mercedes –were also seized.
A 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with 37 offences including;
- unlawfully sell firearms 3 times or more within 12 months,
- unlawfully sell firearm parts 3 times or more within 1 year,
- supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person (x5),
- unauthorised supply of prohibited firearm part (x5),
- supply, give ammunition to person not authorised (x4),
- knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x2),
- possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose,
- sell prohibited weapon to person without permit (x5),
- knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x3),
- possess loaded firearm public place,
- possess unauthorised prohibited firearm,
- possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2),
- deal with property proceeds of crime,
- receive motor vehicle part-theft-serious indictable offence (x5).
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 2 June 2021).
During the search of a Bankstown business and home in Brighton Le-Sands, officers seized ammunition, a firearm, handcuffs, drugs, $20,000 cash and nine allegedly stolen vehicles.
All items seized during the operation will undergo further examination.
Following further inquiries, detectives arrested a 21-year old man at a home in Woy Woy on the state's central coast about 6am this morning (Wednesday 2 June 2021).
The man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was later released pending further inquiries.
Investigations are continuing.
The National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) was established in 2014 as a multi-agency law enforcement taskforce targeting organised criminal syndicates, including those involving members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).
Anyone with information that may assist NAGS investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
