Northern Territory Police have seized a number of firearms from a cattle station near Katherine last week.

On Sunday 27 June 2021, Police from the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch executed a search warrant at a local cattle station in regards to alleged cattle theft. As a result police seized 25 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

One of the revolvers found was allegedly reported stolen.

Police further seized a quantity of fireworks and part of a protected animal species.

A 70-year-old male has received a Notice to Appear for the following offences:

• 7 x Possess unregistered firearm
• 2 x Possess firearm unlicensed
• 6 x Fail to meet storage requirements – firearms
• 1 x Fail to meet storage requirements – ammunition
• 1 x Possess protected wildlife
• 1 x Possess fireworks outside approved period

He is scheduled to appear before Katherine Local Court on 15 September 2021

A 30-year-old male has also received a Notice to Appear for the following offences:

• 5 x Possess unregistered firearm
• 7 x Possess firearm unlicensed
• 1 x Possess ammunition without a licence
• 7 x Fail to meet storage requirements – firearms
• 1 x Fail to meet storage requirements – ammunition
• 1 x Possess stolen property
• 1 x Possess prohibited weapon
• 1 x Possess fireworks outside approved period

He is scheduled to appear before Katherine Local Court on 15 September 2021.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Ian Kennon said, “Over a four day period, NT Police remained on the offending station and recovered over 370 stolen cattle, valued at nearly $700,000. Police are further investigating a large quantity of calves located, some of which are believed to be stolen.

Since the implementation of Taskforce Starlight in late 2020, a joint operation between NT Police and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade,  there has been an increase in the reporting of this type of offending.  All matters reported to police will be investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted where possible.  If you believe you have been a victim of stock theft please call 131 444.”