Rose Tattoo drummer Paul DeMarco charged over alleged gun-running syndicate, alongside former bikie boss Sam Ibrahim

THE drummer of one of Australia’s best-known rock bands is accused of being a major player in an alleged gun-running syndicate.

THE drummer of one of Australia’s best-known rock bands is accused of being a major player in an alleged gun-running syndicate distributing military-style weapons throughout western Sydney.

Rose Tattoo member Paul DeMarco appeared via video link in Blacktown Local Court yesterday, alongside former bikie boss Sam Ibrahim, on 27 charges of supply, possess and distribute weapons.

Maha Sayour, the sister of Sam Ibrahim.

Sam Ibrahim.

Also arrested was Maha Sayour, sister of both Sam and King Cross identity John Ibrahim, who has changed her name and appeared in Wollongong Local Court under the name Jazz Dior.

The trio were arrested during a series of dawn raids in Sydney and Wollongong.

Rose Tattoo front man Angry Anderson was in shock yesterday when he heard his fellow band member and long-time friend had been arrested.

“It has come out of nowhere,’’he said.

“We did a few shows last year but had nothing planned for this year. I haven’t seen him for a few months. I am just worried for his wife.”

Some of the firearms seized in the raids.

Drummer Paul De Marco.

The band had a tough guy image, recording songs such as Bad Boy For Love and, ironically, Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw. He also toured when the band supported Guns ‘N’ Roses’ Australian tour in 1993.

An undercover police officer infiltrated the alleged gun network and had bought 13 firearms since October.

Police will allege the trio are significant players in an elaborate gun trade.

One of weapons seized was a military-issue M1 assault rifle. “When you look at some of the guns, you shake your head and wonder what that firepower would do if it got into the wrong hands,” Assistant Police Commissioner Denis Clifford said following the raids.

.

A shotgun that was part of the haul.

A pistol.

“This will no doubt put a significant dent in the organised sale of illegal firearms in western Sydney, but we’re sure there are lots more out there.”

He expected more arrests over the alleged syndicate.

Police seized five guns yesterday after searching areas of Windsor, Greystanes, Londonderry, Castlereagh, St Marys and Warilla.

Ammunition, drugs and steroids were also allegedly found by police.

Paul De Marco, right, with Rose Tattoo / Picture: Supplied

DeMarco, 55, from Windsor, was charged with 27 offences, including eight counts of supplying a pistol to a person unauthorised to possess it.

Some of the weapons Demarco is alleged to have sold include a .32 calibre Fabrique Nationale semiautomatic pistol and a Rossi-branded .38 calibre revolver. His matter was adjourned to Parramatta Local Court today.

Ibrahim, 45, was charged with five offences including two counts of supplying a pistol and will appear in Parramatta Local Court on April 9.

His sister, 43, from Wentworthville, was charged with conspiracy to commit an offence and supplying a firearm to a person unauthorised to possess it.

An officer displays another high-powered weapon.

Officers obtained 13 firearms and various calibres of ammunition in the raids