Federal authorities seize exotic animals after Williamtown raid allegedly netted 63 unregistered guns
Federal investigators have seized 21 exotic animals – including parrots, geckos and turtles – and native fauna after a raid on a private menagerie allegedly uncovered 63 unregistered guns.
Newcastle
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Federal authorities have confirmed they have seized 21 exotic animals – and a handful of native species – from a private Port Stephens menagerie following a raid which allegedly netted police more than 60 unregistered guns.
The firearms – 49 handguns and 14 long arms – were discovered scattered across parts of the Williamtown acreage on Tuesday, after police arrested resident Andrew David Rankmore as he allegedly attempted to flee.
Police allege Rankmore, a 40-year-old bird enthusiast, had a handgun wrapped in a sock in his pocket when he was taken into custody.
He was later charged with 96 offences and remains in custody on remand after a magistrate denied his bid to be released on bail.
Port Stephens-Hunter police escorted Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water investigators onto the property just after dawn on Tuesday, following a 10-month probe named Operation Carmen.
A department spokesman confirmed on Friday that the investigation was launched in October last year “as the result of information received through the department’s website in relation to the possession of exotic CITES listed birds”.
CITES in an acronym for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
The spokesman said the wildlife investigation was ongoing. No charges have been laid.
Authorities did seize 17 exotic birds of various species including the vulnerable South American native Hispaniolan Amaxon parrot and the Asian blue-eyed cockatoo and Moluccan cockatoo.
Blue headed parrots, scaly-headed parrots and umbrella cockatoos were also taken from the property.
Two leopard geckos and two red-eared slider turtles were also seized.
Authorities also took several live native animals, including sugar gliders, green tree frogs and a thick tailed gecko.
Investigations were continuing into whether appropriate licenses were being held to keep the native animals.
The seizures came as police obtained a crime scene warrant following Rankmore’s arrest, before allegedly finding the 63 handguns, rifles and shotguns in areas across the property.
Police will allege the guns were found inside a residence and in a disused beehive, while several aviaries and animals enclosures were also searched.
Investigations were continuing.
“The department works collaboratively, including exchanging intelligence and undertaking joint investigations, with other Australian government law enforcement and regulatory agencies, and international partner agencies to identify and disrupt wildlife crimes,” the spokesman said.