Man Faces Court Over Alleged Guns And Drugs Bust At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Raptor Squad police have charged a man with a dozen firearm and drug offences following a raid on a Rutherford home.

Following investigations into the unlawful possession of firearms, they executed a search warrant at the Aberglasslyn Road property last Wednesday (17 June 2026) and allegedly seized three firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, 29 grams of cannabis and four grams of methylamphetamine.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at a home on Garrat Circuit, Thornton yesterday (Wednesday 24 June 2026).

He faced the bail court where he was remanded in custody to appear in Newcastle Local Court on August 26.

 

Firearms Fallen into Thieves' Hands

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police are remaining vigilant after six firearms were stolen from a property at Mulbring.

A 72-year-old man living on Whitebridge Road alerted officers to a break and enter at his home where the six guns, jewellery and cash were taken.

It's suspected the break-in occurred between 11pm Sunday 9th September and 8:30am yesterday.

Police have established a crime scene around the property's shed and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Increase in Hunter firearm popularity triggers community concerns

BY SARAH JAMES

An investigation by Fairfax has revealed the number of registered firearms in the Hunter has increased from approximately 70,000 in 2012 to almost 100,000 in 2017.

During this same timeframe, the number of people holding a firearm licence doubled to more than 26,000.

In rural suburbs such as Aberdeen, Merriwa and Willow Tree, the number of firearms is higher than the adult population.

The overall increase in gun ownership nationally has raised concerns from Gun Control Australia, who fear the laws will soon reflect those prior to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

A spokesperson from Gun Control Australia, Samantha Lee, told 2NURFM a decline in gun laws in NSW has allowed gun ownership to flourish.

"Our gun laws are eroding at a fairly rapid rate...one of those erosions being the ability to accumulate a large cache of firearms per licence holder. This is exactly what the Port Arthur Agreement was meant to prevent to try and reduce gun deaths across Australia."

The second largest single stockpiler of firearms in NSW resides in the Cardiff-Edgeworth postcode 2285, owning 310 firearms.

"Statistics are showing that people are owning on average four to five guns each, and in some communities like the Hunter people are owning around one hundred guns each," she said.

However, owner of Thornton Hunting & Outdoors, Chris Barrett, argues that for many people in the Hunter region, owning a gun is often a necessary part of life.

"If you operate a farm you need a firearm in order to keep your stock alive, to keep your crops growing, it's an absolute necessity," he said.

"There is nothing wrong with legally owning, possessing and using firearms for legal pursuits such as sports target shooting, hunting and the destruction of feral animals that are really decimating our native wildlife."

While Gun Control Australia is pushing for the number of firearms per licence holder to be limited, gun advocates say this would inhibit serious sport shooters, with multiple firearms needed for different disciplines.

"One firearm is not going to cater to every single type of shooting event you want to be involved in," Mr Barrett said. "I would say to someone who wants to play golf 'how about you go out and use one club'. Not going to work. You need a number of clubs to get around the course. Firearms are the same."

While nearly 10,000 guns were handed over to NSW police during the 2017 National Firearms Amnesty, there are still concerns about the number of illegal firearms in the region.

"The illegal market is fed by the legal market. So the more guns that are available in the general community the more likely they are to be stolen and end up in the illegal market," said Ms Lee.

Mr Barrett echoed this sentiment, saying the real issue governments need to focus on is illegal firearms in illegal hands.

Source: ABC

Amnesty Granted for Gun Owners

BY TYLER FARDELL

Following the NSW Police Force's decision today to join the National Firearms Amnesty, residents across the State and the Hunter will be able to legally dispose or register their unlicensed firearms starting next month.

The Police are hoping this amnesty will result in a reduced number of unregistered firearms throughout the State, as they often end up in the hands of criminals.

Deputy Police Commissioner for Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy made the announcement today, along with the Regional Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys.

"NSW Police is committed to stopping firearms falling into the hands of criminals", Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

"Too many firearms are not stored securely, making them an easy target for thieves to steal multiple firearms during break-and-enters, particularly at rural properties".

The Police are expecting a significant number of residents to take full advantage of the Amnesty, as it provides them with an opportunity to register or dispose of an unregistered firearm without a penalty.

Firearms and other related items can be surrendered under amnesty arrangements at approved drop-off points, which include licensed firearm dealers and Police stations.

However, residents who are intending to dispose of or register of their weapons have been reminded to ensure all firearms are NOT loaded when taking them into public places.

For more information visit www.firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au

Source; Loop PNG

BREAKING! Police Find Guns After Pursuit At Maryland

BY IAN CROUCH

A police pursuit early this morning has ended with the arrest of two men at MARYLAND.

At about 2.30am, officers patrolling Wallsend noticed a Suzuki Vitara being driven erratically and attempted to pull the vehicle over on Minmi Road but it sped away, allegedly reaching speeds of 100 kilometres per hour in a 60 zone.

Inspector Dean Olsen says officers cornered the car a short time later in Warkworth Street at Maryland.

" On searching the vehicle we located two longarms, a rifle and another firearm and we've also located a stash of ammunition as well," he said.

The two men aged 37 and 32 were arrested and are assisting police with their inquiries.