News

Gang feud arrest

TWO handguns have been taken off the streets and two alleged members of warring organised criminal gangs charged after police raided homes at Guildford and Auburn last Friday.

When police arrived at the Auburn home, an 18-year-old man allegedly attempted to flee on foot, before he was chased down by officers a short distance away. During a search of the home and a vehicle outside of the property, police allegedly located a loaded unregistered handgun.
A Guildford home was also searched with police allegedly locating another handgun before a 23-year-old man was arrested.
The 18-year-old man was charged with possess unregistered firearm-pistol, not keep firearm safely-pistol, acquire unregistered firearm-pistol, possess ammunition without licence/permit/authority, and two counts of possess prohibited drug, and the 23-year-old man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger and affray.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor, said the arrests were significant in stopping dangerous gang activity.
“Police will allege both parties are involved in an ongoing conflict which is plaguing organised crime groups in south-west Sydney, and I have no doubt the seizure of these weapons and the arrest of these men will hurt,” Det Supt Taylor said.
“That one of these men is subject to an FPO and still chooses to carry a firearm is a real concern for us, and the entire networks of both people can expect to be firmly in the sight of police.”
Raptor Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, said police would continue to conduct proactive operations to target and disrupt any person involved in organised crime.
Anyone with information about organised criminal activity in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.