Several homes across Sydney were raided by New South Wales Police for arms and ammunition. The operation was conducted in the light of recent shootings. Possession of an illegal firearm is a serious crime in NSW.
Local police teamed up with Strike Raptor Force and intelligence bodies for the searches, which included two high-risk locations in Merrylands and Auburn.
Firearms were seized from 18 different locations and individuals from these properties were issued with Firearms Prohibition Orders. The raids included properties in Guildford, Lakemba, Sefton, Campbelltown, Macquarie Fields, Rhodes, Wakely, Preston, Revesby, Hinchinbrook, Mt Druitt, Lurnea and Minto.
A Firearms Prohibition Order means, an individual is not allowed to own or use a firearm, possess ammunition or own any parts that can be used to assemble a firearm. Such individuals are also prohibited from living in the same premises where the guns were located.
The police say the raids were intended to put the criminals on notice. “This strategy will continue and we won’t stop,” Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said.
The raids come after the recent shooting at a Merrylands McDonald’s carpark last week and other gun-related incident that occurred in Warwick Farm.
“There have been 37 homicides in NSW this year and seven of those homicides have been firearm-related,” he said.
“There’s also been a number of arrests in relation to those homicides in ongoing investigations”.
The police have assured people that the operation was absolutely necessary for the safety of the community, the neighbourhood and the police that are operating in that environment.
Police are investigating conflicts between the rivalling individuals and bike gangs involved in organised crimes.
“What our operation is trying to target is to suppress and prevent the continuation of conflict amongst a number of criminal groups,” he said.
It is a wise course of action to speak to a lawyer if one finds himself or herself in any such situation. Solicitors at Sydney Criminal Defence Lawyers are experienced in firearms cases and can get the best outcome possible.
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