NSW: Police raid finds weapons, explosives and animals
09 Jan 2009 6:17 AM
SYDNEY, Jan 9 AAP - Police have found a large cache of weapons, explosives and number of illegally-owned native animals during the raid of a Newcastle property.
Drug unit and special operations police attended the home in Hanbury Street at Mayfield about 10.30am (AEDT) on Thursday where they allegedly found a "secret room" hidden behind timber panelling on the second floor.
"Police allege the room contained 16 rifles and shotguns, six handguns including replicas, silencers, a crossbow, a slingshot, a large quantity of gun parts and thousands of rounds of ammunition," police said in a statement.
"On the ground level of the home, police allegedly located two more rifles, including a loaded weapon hidden under a bed.
"A target pistol was also seized."
National Parks and Wildlife Service officers were called to the property after police found a number of animals believed to be held without relevant permits.
The animals allegedly included bearded dragons, turtles, chameleons, water dragons and frogs.
Elsewhere at the address police allege they found goods suspected of being stolen, including: jewellery and rare coins, brand new plasma televisions, a large quantity of power tools and a motorcycle.
"Also found was a stash of power gel explosives, detonator cord and a mortar," police said.
"Those items have been collected for disposal by explosives experts from RAAF Williamtown."
