Jihad Alameddine charged with possessing air gun

A relative of the Alameddine crime family network is behind bars on remand after a firearm prohibition order compliance raid at his western Sydney home overnight.

A member of the Alameddine crime family has faced Parramatta Bail Court today charged with unauthorised firearm possession.

A relative of the Alameddine crime family member is behind bars on remand after a firearm prohibition order raid allegedly uncovered a replica Glock air gun at his western Sydney home.

Police descended on Jihad Alameddine’s Merrylands home on Tuesday to check his compliance with a firearm prohibition order.

Alameddine’s cousin Rafat – who is not accused of any wrongdoing – is the alleged head of the crime family.

Officers allegedly found an air gun bearing a “Glock Austria” emblem – which is considered a firearm under the legislation – and air soft pellets at the address.

Alameddine has now been charged with possessing an unauthorised pistol, and with acquiring a firearm and ammunition in contravention of a firearm prohibition order.

Jihad Alameddine.

His solicitor Hisham Karnib sought his bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Wednesday.

“The entirety of the court attendance notices surround a particular item which is referred to as a firearm, but it’s an air gun,” Mr Karnib told the court.

“It falls at the lowest end of objective seriousness – it’s not a firearm that is used or can be used to inflict really serious harm or fatal injuries.”

Mr Karnib stressed he was not trivialising the offence but said the court may ultimately find, even if Alameddine was found guilty, it would not warrant a custodial sentence.

The solicitor proposed bail conditions including daily reporting, a promise not to apply for a passport, and a $10,000 security.

Solicitor Hisham Karnib in 2022.

Police prosecutor Sgt Radford opposed bail, submitting it was an “extremely strong” prosecution case.

“His phone was seized after, and videos obtained confirm that he did, in fact, possess the items and uses the pistol,” Sgt Radford said.

“The prosecution submits he made partial admissions in relation to the item, how long it had been in the house and he was aware of where the pistol was stored.”

The maximum potential penalty for possessing an unauthorised pistol is 14 years’ imprisonment.

Magistrate Geoff Hiatt acknowledged Alameddine’s “lengthy” history and agreed police had a strong case against him.

He said he was not satisfied Alameddine’s ongoing detention was not justified and he refused bail.

The matter will return to Parramatta Local Court on July 10.

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