Two men will appear in court today charged after a loaded handgun, firearm parts, a 3D-printer and drugs were seized as part of an investigation by Penrith Region Enforcement Squad (RES).
In May, officers from North West Metropolitan RES-Penrith established Strike Force Kileen to investigate the manufacture of prohibited firearms and supply of prohibited drugs.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers, assisted by the North West Metropolitan Region Operation Support Group, stopped a car on Maxwell Street, South Penrith, about 10.30am yesterday.
The 33-year-old male driver was arrested, and during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police seized a loaded 9mm pistol and an electronic stun device. Four bags containing a white crystal substance – believed to be methylamphetamine – were also seized.
“A short time later, a search warrant was executed at a home at Jamisontown, where police seized firearm moulds, manufactured handgun parts and ammunition,” a Police spokesperson said.
“The man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with ‘possess unregistered firearm – prohibited firearm’, ‘not keep firearm safely – prohibited firearm’, ‘possess or use prohibited weapon’, ‘possess unregistered firearm – prohibited firearm’, ‘deal with proceeds of crime’, ‘possess ammunition without holding a licence’, five counts of ‘supply prohibited drug’, ‘ongoing supply prohibited drug’ and ‘drive while disqualified’.”
About 7pm, Strike Force Kileen investigators arrested a 33-year-old man outside a home at South Penrith.
A search warrant was executed at the property, with police seizing equipment allegedly used in the manufacture of firearm components, as well as manufactured firearm components, ammunition, and a computer hard drive which was being used to operate a 3D-printer.
The man was also taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with ‘manufacture prohibited firearm without licence’, ‘supply shortened firearm (not pistol)’, ‘supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person’, ‘possess ammunition without licence/permit’ and ‘acquire firearm part without authority’.
Both men have been refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court later today.
Investigations under Strike Force Kileen are continuing.
