Motorcyclist allegedly discovered with knives, homemade shotgun

Police have charged five people in western NSW during a week of action targeting illegal firearms.

Formerly known as Operation Athena, the National Illicit Firearms Working Group – consisting of police from jurisdictions across Australia, Federal agencies, and NZ Police – co-ordinated a transnational week of action between Monday, October 13 and Sunday, October 19.

As part of the statewide operation, officers from western region issued three Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), conducted 21 FPO searches, with 14 charges laid as well as 496 safe storage inspections, of which 44 failed and police are working with Firearm Licence Holders to meet the required standards.

Regional officers located and seized 47 firearms, including imitation firearms and privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearms.

Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland APM, Commander Western Region, said firearm security and storage was paramount to ensure the safety of the community and prevent owners from coming under adverse notice.

“The importance of firearm owners keeping their weapons safe, secure and ensuring they are compliant with their licence conditions cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Commissioner Holland APM.

“If a firearm is stolen due to it not being correctly stored it can result in serious criminal charges against the owner.

“Whilst I am pleased to say that most premises inspected were complying with the legislation, it was disappointing to see some weren’t. One firearm not properly stored is one too many.

“Operations of this nature will be ongoing and if anyone is unsure on what their obligations are I would urge them to consult the Firearms Registry section of the New South Wales Police Force website.”

Among the incidents recorded, at about 10.40am on Tuesday, October 14, officers from Oxley Police District spoke to a 33-year-old man stopped on an unregistered/uninsured motor bike on Merton Street, Boggabri.

It will be alleged that the man was the holder of a Learner’s Rider Licence and the bike had a larger engine capacity than he was authorised to ride along with the number plate being upside and not displaying L plates.

When the man was placed under arrest, he allegedly swore at officers. It will be further alleged that a search of the man located an amount of cannabis, several knives and a homemade shotgun.

He was taken to Narrabri Police Station and charged with P2 class R drive motor cycle >660 ml/150 kw/t, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road, use uninsured motor vehicle on road, use Class A vehicle number plate obscured/defaced, Learner drive motor bike/trike not display “L” as prescribed, custody of knife in public place – subsequent offence, possess prohibited drug, possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, use offensive language in/near public place/school.

The Narrabri man was refused bail and appeared at Moree Local Court on Monday, November 3.