A man has been arrested after Strike Force Raptor seized a loaded pistol during a vehicle stop in Sydney’s west earlier this year.
As a result of inquiries by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad, Strike Force Raptor Highway Patrol stopped a Nissan Patrol on Hamilton Road, South Wentworthville, just after 5.30pm on Wednesday 16 January 2019.
Officers spoke with the driver and sole occupant, a 26-year-old man, and checks revealed his licence was expired.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located a loaded ‘Bayard’ pistol in the glove box.
The man was arrested and charged at the time. He is next due to re-appear at Fairfield Local Court on Monday 23 September 2019.
The firearm has been forensically examined and is now undergoing ballistic examination.
Following further inquiries, detectives, with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested a 61-year-old man at a home in Merrylands about 7am today (Wednesday 24 July 2019).
He was taken to Granville Police Station where he is assisting with inquires.
Investigations are continuing.
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.
