Raptor Squad officers have discharged a firearm during the arrest of a man for alleged drug and firearm offences under Strike Force Stranraer.
Strike Force Stranraer was established in May 2023 by State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad to investigate the alleged supply of drugs and firearms in the Maitland and West Ryde areas.
To date, 12 people have been charged and remain before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.25am yesterday (Tuesday 30 April 2024), strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant in Gillieston Heights.
On arrival, police were confronted by the occupant of the home – a 26-year-old man – armed with two hunting style knives, prompting an officer to discharge their firearm.
No one was injured and the man was arrested.
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charge with supply pistol to person unauthorised to posses, use etc offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, use etc offensive weapon to prevent police investigation, supply prohibited drug >= commercial quantity, and participate in a criminal group.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Maitland Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 19 June 2024.
A review into the discharge of the firearm has commenced.
Investigations under Strike Force Stranraer continue.