Two alleged members of rival organised criminal networks have been charged after two loaded handguns were seized as part of ongoing proactive operations to disrupt criminal syndicates.
Detectives from State Crime Command's Criminal Groups and Raptor Squads executed a search warrant at a home at Guildford and conducted a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) search at a home at Auburn from 8am today (Friday 10 September 2021).
When police arrived at the Auburn address, the 18-year-old male resident attempted to flee on foot, with officers giving chase. The man was stopped and arrested a short distance away before being taken to Auburn Police Station.
During a subsequent search of the home and a vehicle located outside the property, police located and seized a loaded unregistered .38 special revolver, cannabis and opioids.
During the search of the Guildford property, police located and seized a loaded Narinco handgun, ammunition, mobile phones, CCTV hard drive and various items relevant to ongoing investigations.
A 23-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Granville Police Station.
All seized items will undergo forensic examination, and the firearms will undergo ballistic examinations.
The 18-year-old man was charged with possess unregistered firearm-pistol, not keep firearm safely-pistol, acquire unregistered firearm-pistol, possess ammunition w/o holding licence/permit/authority, two counts of possess of prohibited drug and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 - COVID-19.
The 23-year-old man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger, affray and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 - COVID-19.
Both men have been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court tomorrow (Saturday 11 September 2021).
Proactive operations and investigations targeting criminal networks will continue.
Anyone with information about organised criminal activity in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
