A further three men have been charged after Raptor Squad officers seized numerous rifles, ammunition, cash and prohibited drugs during the search of a property in the state’s Southern Highlands yesterday.
Last November (2021) investigators from the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad commenced investigations into a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in firearm related offences and the supply of prohibited drugs.
As part of their inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a unit on Percy Street at Bankstown, locating and seizing two pistols, ammunition, and $87,960 cash.
A 24-year-old man – who is an associate of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) – was arrested at the unit and charged over his alleged involvement in the syndicate and remains before the courts.
Following extensive further inquiries, Raptor Squad officers executed a search warrant at a property at Hill Top from about 6.30am yesterday (Tuesday 2 August 2022).
During a subsequent search, investigators located an indoor hydroponic setup containing more than 50 cannabis plants, and equipment consistent with the cultivation and supply of cannabis.
Additionally, police located and seized three rifles, more than $115,000 cash secreted within log hollows on the property, 386 rounds of ammunition, steroids, further amounts of dried cannabis, and methylamphetamine.
Three men – aged 41, 42 and 44, were arrested and taken to Southern Highlands Police Station.
A 44-year-old man was charged with cultivate prohibited plant more than commercial quantity-cannabis, three counts of possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence, and not keep firearm safely.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 9 August 2022.
A 41-year-old man was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, possess unregistered firearm, and conceal serious indictable offence (20yrs max) of other.
A 42-year-old man was charged with cultivate prohibited plant more than commercial quantity-cannabis, divert or use electricity for generating etc system without authority, three counts of possess prohibited drug, three counts of possess unregistered firearm, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Both were refused bail to appear at Picton Local Court today (Wednesday 3 August 2022).
