High-powered weapons seized in western Sydney

More than a dozen firearms, including automatic machine guns and pistols, ammunition and gun parts have been seized by detectives investigating the supply of weapons in western Sydney.

Commander of the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad Deborah Wallace said the investigation had removed an arsenal of weapons from the community.

‘‘Through meticulous police work, we have been able to remove this cache of dangerous weapons from circulation within organised-crime networks,” she said.

The operation began after detectives seized a 9mm self-loading pistol and a 22-calibre machine pistol fitted with a silencer from a business in Pendle Hill on June 26 last year. 

After forensic analysis of those weapons, police arrested a man, 40, at Sydney Airport international departures.

Police said the accused was now before the courts on drug and firearms charges, and will next face Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 14). 

During the course of the investigation, officers seized a total of 15 firearms. 

In addition to the two located in June 2012, police have seized: 

■ A Colt AR15 semi-automatic rifle; 

■ A Colt AR15 .223-calibre automatic machine gun with scope and six empty magazines; 

■ A Winchester 1200 shortened pump-action self-loading 10-gauge shotgun; 

■ An Imez Makarov 9mm-calibre self-loading pistol; 

■ An Intratech 9mm machine pistol with empty magazine capable of holding 60 rounds; 

■ A Norinco SKS 7.62-calibre machine rifle with three empty magazines; 

■ Six .22-calibre pen guns; 

■ A .40-calibre Glock pistol.

Investigators also seized ammunition and gun parts, along with prohibited drugs, ballistic vests, a bayonet, cash and a portable radio suspected to have been stolen from the Ambulance Service NSW.