Alleged Alameddine associate Recep Irmak charged over replica firearm at pub

An alleged Alameddine crime network figure accused of trying to sell a convincing replica firearm to petrified diners at a southwest Sydney pub will face court today.

A man has been arrested over allegations he was trying to sell a replica firearm at a Bankstown pub. (AAP/Image Matthew Vasilescu)

An alleged Alameddine crime network associate accused of trying to sell a convincing replica pistol to shocked diners at a southwest Sydney pub has been charged by the state’s bikie squad.

Raptor Squad officers attended the Three Swallows pub on the Hume Highway in Bankstown around 10pm on Thursday, following reports from alarmed pub patrons a man was attempting to sell what looked like a firearm hidden in his underwear.

It’s understood the item was a convincing enough replica to cause significant fear, with the pistol’s trigger designed to pop open what was in fact a cigarette lighter.

“Raptor Squad officers arrived and searched a 42-year-old man, locating a cigarette lighter made to look like a firearm allegedly secreted in his underwear, as well as a small amount of drugs suspected of being GBL in his bag,” a NSW Police spokesman said in a statement.

The man was arrested and taken to and taken to Bankstown Police Station. Both items have been sent for forensic examination.”

The Three Swallows pub in Bankstown. (AAP/Image Matthew Vasilescu)

Recep Irmak was charged with acquiring a firearm subject to a prohibition order, possessing an unauthorised pistol, and possessing a prohibited drug.

“Police will allege in court the man was an associate of the Alameddine Organised Crime Network and was attempting to sell the firearm to members of the public at the hotel,” the spokesman said in the statement.

Irmak was refused police bail and his matter was briefly mentioned at Bankstown Local Court, where he appeared via audiovisual link.

His matter was adjourned to September 23 for a bail application.

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