A man has been charged following a Firearms Prohibition (FPO) operation in the state’s north yesterday.
In October 2023, Operation Yowie was established by the Rural Crime Prevention Team in Oxley Police District, to investigate the theft of firearms in the Pilliga, Gwabegar and surrounding areas.
Just before 9am yesterday (Tuesday 31 October 2023), investigators and officers from Western Region attended two homes in Pilliga and one in Gwabegar to execute a FPO search.
When investigators attended a home in Dangar Street, Pilliga, a man was sighted running out the rear of the property with a rifle before he jumped the fence, where police arrested the man.
Following a search of the home, police located and seized cannabis leaf, a cannabis plant, ammunition, a firearm and a laser.
The 30-year-old man was taken to Wee Waa Police Station and charged with acquire firearm – subject to prohibition order and acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order.
Police also attended a home at Anzac Parade, Gwabegar, and seized an electronic stun device.
The man was refused bail to appear at Inverell Local Court today (Wednesday 1 November 2023).
Inquiries are continuing.
