Armed Man Sparks Bomb Threat At Morisset

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police say they uncovered a cache of weapons at the home of the man allegedly responsible for yesterday's hold-up at Morisset.

The 49-year-old from Yarawonga Park is accused of trying to rob a pharmacy on Dora Street with a replica pistol before later claiming he had a bomb, forcing the area to be evacuated.


When officers arrived they were confronted by the man who allegedly threatened them forcing them to deploy a Taser to subdue him.

Investigators later searched his home where it's alleged they found guns, ammunition, knives, knuckle-dusters and books on how to make guns.


The man's been refused bail and is due to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Cessnock Greyhound Worker Faces Firearm Charges

BY IAN CROUCH

 A Cessnock  greyhound worker is due to front court next month accused of possessing an unauthorised firearm.

The 69-year-old from Abermain came to the attention of police during their inquiries into the deaths of dozens of greyhounds at the Keinbah Trial Track.

It's alleged he had possession of a .22 calibre rifle between 2010 and 2013.

The man's been charged with possession and unauthorised use of a firearm and is due to face Cessnock Local Court on October 26.

Another Drug House Uncovered In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have raided yet another suspected drug house - this time at Mayfield.

Officers executed a search warrant on a home in Carrington Street yesterday afternoon, allegedly uncovering a sophisticated hydroponic growing operation with more than 60 Cannabis plants and 5 kilograms of the drug being dried in 3 bedrooms.

It's also alleged the fuse box at the house had been tampered with.

Police stopped a 66-year-old man as he was leaving the house and searched his car allegedly finding cash and cannabis inside.

He's been refused bail to front Newcastle Local Court today charged with cultivating and supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, goods in custody suspected of being the proceeds of crime and altering or add to an electricity installation.

It's the 3rd suspected drug house uncovered in the Hunter this week.