Police in the Western District have made a number of firearm seizures as a result of Operation Unification searches this week.

On Monday the 23 June 2014 a search was conducted at an East Devonport residence by members of the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch and Western Drug Investigation Services.

As a result of that search, firearms and ammunition were located within the residence. The resident, Nathan Gregory COPPLEMAN, 22 years of age, was the subject of a Firearms Prohibition Order.

Police can seek to issue a Firearms Prohibition Order under the Firearms Act 1996. The Order prevents a person from being in possession of a firearm or even in the same premises as a firearm.

As a result Coppleman was arrested and charged with breaching said order. He appeared in an after-hours court where he was remanded in custody before appearing in the Devonport Magistrates Court on Tuesday 24 June 2014.

Further searches were conducted on Tuesday 24 June 2014 in the Central Coast area.

10 firearms were seized from two searches. A 43 year old man will be charged in relation to an unregistered firearm. A 50 year old man will be subject to charges in relation to the possession of a prohibited firearm.

There will be a firearms amnesty held at the Sheffield Recreation Ground this Sunday between the hours of 9am and 1pm.

Members of the public are reminded that any unwanted firearms can be handed to any police station or arrangements made for collection. There is a permanent amnesty for surrendering of firearms in this manner.