A man has been charged with alleged criminal group and firearms offences following an arrest at Forbes earlier today.
In January 2025, Strike Force Rasmussen, comprising detectives from the Central West Police District was established to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine in the township of Forbes and its surrounds.
Following inquiries, about 9.50am (Wednesday 7 January 2026), detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in Cedar Crescent, Forbes, and arrested a 57-year-old man.
During the search, police located two replica pistols, 11 x live 12-gauge shotgun shells, 10 x home-made prohibited knives, 3 sling shots and a knuckle duster.
The man was taken to Forbes Police Station where he was charged with nine offences - possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority, participate in a criminal group - contribute criminal activity, possess unauthorised pistol (two counts), possess ammunition without a licence, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (three counts), and manufacture prohibited weapon without a permit.
The man was refused bail to appear before the Bail Division - Court 4 tomorrow (Thursday 8 January 2026.
