NSW: Weapons, reptiles and stolen items seized - man charged
11 Jan 2009 8:18 AM
SYDNEY, Jan 11 AAP - Police have seized a cache of weapons, explosives, live reptiles and about 1,000 other suspected stolen items at a home in Newcastle.
A 37-year-old man is on bail after being charged with 63 offences related to the seizures.
Officers from the drug unit and special operations unit executed a search warrant at a home in Mayfield around 10.30am (AEDT) on Thursday.
Police seized 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.
They also located a loaded weapon hidden under a bed.
National Parks and Wildlife Service officers were called in to collect a number of reptiles including bearded dragons, turtles, chameleons, water dragons and frogs, which police allege were kept without appropriate permits.
Officers also located more than 1,000 items including jewellery and rare coins, brand new plasma televisions, a large quantity of power tools and a motorcycle, which were all suspected of being stolen.
The search also uncovered a stash of power gel explosives, a detonator cord and a mortar.
The man was charged with 63 offences and was granted conditional bail.
He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on January 13.
