Raptor Squad officers have charged two Hunter men following an investigation into the alleged sale of multiple firearms.
In August 2024, officers attached to state Crime Command's Raptor Squad launched an investigation into the sale of multiple firearms by Outlaw Motorcycle (OMCG) members.
Following investigations, Raptor North officers arrested 30-year-old Jackson John Rye - an alleged member of the Finks OMCG - at a home on Greville Street, Beresfield, at 8.10am on Wednesday, August 28, before taking him to Maitland police station.
A short time later police searched a home on View Street, East Branxton, seizing a Glock firearm, a taser, a baton, knuckle dusters, ecstasy tablets, six vials of steroids and more than $2000 cash.
Officers arrested 19-year-old Cayden Pearce at the property - after he allegedly attempted to flee and hide from police in the home - before taking him to Cessnock police station.
Police will allege the older man sold multiple firearms including rifles and shotguns and that the younger man purchased one of these firearms.
The 30-year-old was charged with six counts of supplying firearms without the prescribed documents, three counts of possessing a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing or attempting to possess a prescribed restricted substance, two counts of supplying firearms to persons unauthorised to possess it and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime less than $5000.
The 19-year-old was charged with three counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possessing an anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent, acquiring firearm no licence/permit not pistol/prohibited firearm, possess of unauthorised pistol, supplying prohibited drug and dealing with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000.
Rye appeared before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday, and Pearce appeared before Cessnock Local Court on Thursday. Both men were refused bail to face court again in September.
Investigations continue and anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
