Police say investigations are underway after firearms, ammunition and suspected illegal drugs were seized during a compliance search in Ewingsdale, near Byron Bay.
They say, ‘Strike Force Cratus was established by officers from the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate drug-manufacturing activity and firearms offences throughout the Northern Rivers region’.
‘About 9.45am on Wednesday 1 April 2026, officers from Northern Rivers RES — assisted by the North Coast Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team (DVHROT) and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit — conducted a search of a property on Kennedy’s Lane, Ewingsdale.
‘During the search, police allegedly located and seized three 22-litre containers containing iodine pellets, a jerry can holding an unidentified liquid, and substances believed to be methylamphetamine.
‘A crime scene was established, and about 8.30am on Thursday 2 April 2026, officers from Northern Rivers RES — with assistance from North Coast DVHROT, the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, and the Public Order and Riot Squad — conducted a subsequent search of the property.
‘During this search, police allegedly located and seized glassware believed to be used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine, four firearms including two rifles, a shotgun and a handgun, as well as ammunition, silencers and chemicals believed to be drug-manufacturing precursors.
‘All items were seized for forensic examination.
‘No arrests have been made, and investigations continue under Strike Force Cratus’, police said.
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