Ute Seized – After A Spate of Alleged Illegal Hunting Incidents

A man has been charged over a string of offences relating to drug possession and illegal hunting in the state’s Western Region.

About 6.30am yesterday (Thursday 11 February 2021), members of the NSW DPI Hunting Game Licensing Unit executed a search warrant at a home on North Street, Oberon.

The search was assisted by officers from the Chifley Rural Crime Prevention Team and allegedly found 224 MDMA tablets, cannabis plants, cocaine, ammunition and a number of small fireworks.

Officers also seized a large quantity of hunting equipment including knives, dog collars, GPS devices, mobile phones and a

Toyota Hilux ute that is alleged to have been involved in a number of illegal hunting offences.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Oberon Police Station where he was charged with drug supply, drug possession, possess ammunition, and possess articles.

He was given conditional bail and will appear in Oberon Local Court on Tuesday 2 March 2021.

Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside, the State Rural Crime Coordinator said this was a great result from good teamwork.

“This search warrant is part of the ongoing work of the NSW DPI Game Licensing Unit and the Rural Crime Prevention Team under Joint Strike Force VENARI,” D/Ch Insp Whiteside said.

“This strike force aims to tackle illegal hunting through shared intelligence and joint operational deployments.,” he said.

“Both agencies work in unison to detect those hunting illegally, which can result in action before the courts and seizing equipment, and other crimes as detected in this instance.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media page