NSW Police have charged a man after seizing firearm parts during a vehicle stop in the state's Central West, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal importation of prohibited weapons.
In November 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Myosoti to investigate the movement of firearms between states and territories.
Earlier this month, as part of ongoing investigations, police received information about the importation of firearm parts into NSW.
About 12.20am yesterday (Tuesday 13 April 2021), officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District stopped a Ford Ranger utility on Brisbane Street, Dubbo, due to the manner of driving.
Officers spoke with the driver – a 41-year-old man – who was subject to a roadside breath test and returned a negative result.
Following further checks, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and seized a rifle scope, six firearm suppressors, nearly $9,000 cash, three laptops, mobile phones, other electronic devices and documentation.
All items seized will undergo further examination.
In a subsequent search of the man, police seized cannabis oil from his underwear. The man then allegedly became aggressive toward officers, hitting a male senior constable in the face and running from the scene.
Officers pursued the man on foot as he jumped over a fence into a large paddock.
When police attempted to arrest the man, a physical struggled ensued during which a male sergeant and male constable were repeatedly kicked.
Police deployed OC spray before using an electronic stun device to arrest the man.
He was taken to Dubbo Police Station and the vehicle was seized for further examination.
About 12.30pm, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region Operations Support Groups (OSG), conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) search at a home at Horsley Park.
During the search, police seized a number of items including electronic devices and steroids.
The Horsley Park man was subsequently charged with eight offences including possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle), three counts of assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and have device in possession for purpose of operation/supply.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Dubbo Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 5 May 2021.
Investigations are continuing and further charges are expected to be laid.
The three officers injured during the incident did not require further medical treatment.
