Andrew David Rankmore charged after police alleged seize 63 unregistered guns found at Williamtown property
Police have allegedly found 49 handguns as well as 14 rifles and shotguns scattered on a semirural NSW property – including at least one gun in an old beehive – after arriving to investigate the exportation of native birds.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police escorting federal authorities onto a semirural Port Stephens property as part of an investigation into the exportation of native birds have allegedly seized 63 unregistered guns scattered across the acreage.
Port Stephens-Hunter detectives were at the Williamtown property, teeming with aviaries and animals, just after dawn on Tuesday to help federal environment officers carry out a search warrant in relation to the native bird investigation.
But it’s alleged that after stepping foot on the Nelson Bay Rd acreage about 6.30am, resident Andrew David Rankmore attempted to flee.
He was stopped and searched before police allegedly found a handgun on the 40-year-old.
But it was what they found next that prompted police to apply for a further crime scene warrant.
Police allege a large number of guns were found strewn throughout rooms within the house on the property and at least one was found in a disused beehive.
Officers searched a number of aviaries and other areas as several alpacas and chickens roamed free.
In total, police allege they seized 49 unregistered handguns and 14 unregistered long arms, including rifles and shotguns.
Ammunition, further gun parts, drugs, chemicals consistent with making gun powder, silver bullion and cash was also seized.
Rankmore was taken to Raymond Terrace police station and charged with 96 offences, including possessing unauthorised pistols, not keeping firearms safely – pistol, goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) and possessing unregistered firearms-not pistol/prohibited firearm.
He faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday, where he was not required to enter pleas.
Magistrate Justin Peach refused Rankmore bail and he is due to face Newcastle Local Court on October 16.
Suspect’s nudie run after gun found in stolen car
A bush manhunt by cops on foot and in the air north of Newcastle has failed to find any trace of a pantless driver wanted after officers recovered a gun from a stolen car.
Bikie’s tighty whitey drug stash uncovered after dunny assault
A fight night bathroom assault at a Newcastle club led cops to the home of a nominee Nomads bikie, where officers then uncovered drugs and cash, some of which was stashed in his undies.