Two men have been charged after a semi-automatic rifle was allegedly located inside a car following a crash on the state's Mid North Coast.
About 7.15am yesterday (Saturday 29 November 2025), emergency services were called to Oak Street, Bellingen, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and found a vehicle had crashed into a telegraph pole, causing it to snap.
The occupants of the vehicle left the scene prior to the arrival of police.
Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly located a semi-automatic rifle.
Following inquiries, about 10am, police located and arrested two men – both aged 39 – on Ford Street, Bellingen.
Both of the men were searched, with police allegedly locating $9627 cash on one man.
The vehicle, firearm, cash, and clothing and a hatchet that were located nearby, were all seized for forensic examination.
Both men were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
One of the men was charged with seven offences:
- Possess unauthorised firearm
- Not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm
- Acquire etc prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order
- Possess unregistered unauthorised prohibited firearm in public place
- Receive etc property stolen outside NSW
- Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
- Breach of bail
The second man was charged with possess unauthorised firearm, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm and possess unregistered unauthorised prohibited firearm in public place.
Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Sunday 30 November 2025).
