Shocking Discovery During Routine Traffic Stop
A high-speed motorbike rider in the Hunter Valley has found himself facing a string of serious charges after police allegedly made a startling discovery during a routine traffic stop. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning, when highway patrol officers attempted to pull over a motorcycle for speeding on Wine Country Drive at North Rothbury.
The situation escalated quickly when officers spoke with the 37-year-old rider and noticed his bike was fitted with an allegedly altered registration plate. What began as a traffic infringement check soon turned into a major investigation when police discovered the man was subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.
Multiple Illegal Items Uncovered
During a search of the man's belongings, officers made several concerning discoveries. In his backpack, police allegedly found an unloaded double-barrelled shotgun along with shotgun shells. The search also revealed nearly $12,000 in cash, a quantity of white crystals, numerous pills, and other drug-related items.
However, the most surprising find came when officers conducted a more thorough search of the man's person. Police claim they discovered a loaded smooth-bore revolver and a 50 millilitre container of clear liquid concealed within the man's underwear.
Operation RAID Nets Hundreds of Offenders
This dramatic arrest occurred during Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), a high-visibility police initiative targeting dangerous driving behaviours across New South Wales. The operation, which ran from November 6 until the early hours of November 10, resulted in significant numbers of detections.
Police conducted more than 145,800 breath tests, leading to 241 drink-driving offences. Officers also administered 10,270 drug tests, with 663 people returning positive samples for illicit substances. The operation also saw police issue more than 7,000 fines and attend to 296 major crashes, six of which were fatal.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol, expressed concern about the results. "We continue to implore drivers to make the right decision and not undertake these dangerous driving behaviours," he said. "We urge people to think about other innocent road users, their families and those in your own car who could have their lives changed forever by reckless decisions."
The 37-year-old motorbike rider was arrested at the scene and taken to Cessnock Police Station before being transferred to hospital. After being released from medical care, he was charged with 14 separate offences relating to traffic, drugs, and firearms.
He faced Parramatta Local Court for an out-of-sessions bail hearing on Sunday, November 9, where he was refused release. The man is scheduled to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday to answer to the serious charges.
