A man will appear in court today after Strike Force Raptor North investigators seized more than $12,000 cash and two firearms near Newcastle.
As part of ongoing targeting and disruption of the illicit activities of criminal networks, police from the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor North executed a search warrant at a home in Belmont South just after 2am today (Thursday 5 March 2020).
During the search, officers seized two pistols, ammunition, electronic equipment and prohibited drugs believed to methylamphetamine.
Police also located $12,380 cash allegedly hidden inside a freezer.
A 38-year-old man allegedly fled from the home before being detained by officers, with assistance from the Dog Unit, a short distance away.
The man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The man was charged with possess unregistered firearm (x2), possess unauthorised firearm (x2), possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority (x2), possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
The woman was released pending further inquiries.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
