Three officers have been attacked while seizing firearm parts during a vehicle stop in Dubbo, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal importation of prohibited weapons.
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Shane John Meads, 41, appeared before Dubbo Local Court on Monday, charged with eight offences, including three counts of assaulting police in the execution of duty.
In November 2020, Strike Force Myosoti was established to investigate the movement of firearms between states and territories.
Earlier this month, as part of ongoing investigations, police received information about the importation of firearm parts into NSW.
According to police about 12.20am on Tuesday, officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District stopped a Ford Ranger ute on Brisbane Street in Dubbo, due to the manner of driving.
Officers spoke with the Mead who was the driver of the ute, and conducted a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
Following further checks, officers searched the vehicle and seized a rifle scope, six firearm suppressors, nearly $9,000 cash, three laptops, mobile phones, other electronic devices and documentation.
All items seized will undergo further examination.
In a further search of the man, police seized cannabis oil from his underwear. The man then allegedly became aggressive toward officers, hitting a male senior constable in the face and running from the scene.
Officers pursued the man on foot as he jumped over a fence into a large paddock.
According to police as they attempted to arrest Mead, a physical struggle ensured, during which a male sergeant and male constable were repeatedly kicked.
Police used pepper spray before shocking Mead with an electronic stun device.
He was taken to Dubbo Police Station and the vehicle was seized for further examination.
About 12.30pm, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region Operations Support Groups, conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order search at a home at Horsley Park, in Sydney.
During the search, police seized a number of items including electronic devices and steroids.
Mead was charged with eight offences including possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle), three counts of assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and have device in possession for purpose of operation/supply.
The 41-year-old was refused bail and appeared before Dubbo Local Court on Tuesday.
He was formally refused bail by Magistrate Gary Wilson, and the matter will return to court on May 5.
Investigations continue and police said they expect further charges to be laid.
The three officers injured during the incident did not require medical treatment.
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