Darwin Firearms Frenzy: 48-Year-Old Licensed Gun Owner Charged with 47 Offences After Police Seize Cache of Illicit Weapons, Explosives and Drugs
- Police uncover arsenal of unlawful firearms, including a sawn-off shotgun, and haul of illicit explosives and drugs in dramatic raids on two properties in Darwin’s northern suburbs
- 48-year-old licensed gun owner, who allegedly attempted to evade authorities, is facing 47 charges and will appear in court on Friday
- Police warn of ‘serious consequences’ for those who fail to comply with firearms laws, as they reveal the shocking haul of seized items
In a dramatic escalation of a routine firearms compliance check, NT police have charged a 48-year-old licensed gun owner with 47 offences after uncovering a stash of illicit weapons, explosives and drugs in two properties in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
The shocking seizures were made during two raids on Wednesday and Thursday, with specialist police, including a bomb squad, deployed to execute search warrants in Noonamah and Muirhead. Among the items allegedly discovered was a firearm with the barrel sawn off, sparking fears for community safety.
Acting Senior Sergeant Aaron Chapman from the NT Police Force’s Firearms Policy and Recording Unit revealed that the investigation began after the man allegedly failed a random firearms compliance check. “While this matter escalated to the discovery of illegal firearms, explosives, and drugs, it serves as a clear reminder that compliance is critical to community safety,” he warned.
“Failure to comply is a serious offence and will result in enforcement action,” Sergeant Chapman stressed, as police warned of the ‘serious consequences’ of failing to adhere to firearms laws.
In a chilling insight into the alleged offender’s attempts to evade authorities, police revealed that he was not present when the first search took place on Wednesday. However, he was arrested at a Muirhead property on Thursday afternoon and taken into custody.
The NT police investigation has sent shockwaves through the community, with many left reeling at the sheer scale of the seized items. As the alleged offender prepares to face court on Friday, police are urging others to take heed of the warning: comply with firearms laws or face the consequences.
