A MAN is set to stand trial on more than 80 charges after authorities investigating the alleged exportation of native birds claim they uncovered a cache of illegal guns.
Andrew David Rankmore, 42, represented himself in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, May 20, when he indicated he was "absolutely not guilty" of the allegations.
The Williamtown man will face Newcastle District Court for the first time in June when he will be handed a trial date.
Rankmore pleaded not guilty to 42 charges, while another 40 were listed as related offences. Prosecutors withdrew 15 charges.
The allegations include various charges related to firearms and ammunition.
Officers from the Port Stephens Hunter Police District's Proactive Crime Team, backed by Federal Environment Officers, raided a home on Nelson Bay Road about 6.30am on August 20, 2024.
Police said the search warrant was in relation to the exportation of native birds. But when officers arrived, Rankmore allegedly tried to flee the property and was stopped and searched.
Police allegedly discovered a firearm. During a subsequent search of the property, police allege they uncovered and seized dozens of unregistered handguns and rifles or shotguns.
Police also alleged at the time that firearm parts, ammunition, and a number of other items were seized.
Rankmore remains on bail which was continued in court on Wednesday.
He faces a string of separate Commonwealth charges relating to possessing exotic birds, turtles and leopard geckos at the Port Stephens property. He has not been required to enter pleas to those allegations.
Rankmore was at the centre of an investigation by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which culminated in police and federal officers raiding the property at Williamtown in 2024.
