A FORMER greyhound trainer from Yarramundi has been charged with improperly storing firearms and possessing drugs used to euthanise animals.
NSW Police have charged the 42-year-old man with a number of offences. He will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on November 7, alongside another former trainer, a 45-year-old man from Seaham.
The Yarramundi man has been charged with: holder of category A or B licence not have approved safe storage, possess prohibited drug 'Pentobarbital/Pentobarbitone', and possess anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent. The Seaham man is facing similar charges.
The charges follow an investigation by the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad’s Casino and Racing Investigation Unit, which began in 2016.
The investigation led to police searching properties at Yarramundi and Seaham in April. On September 19, the men were issued with notices to appear in court.
During the searches at the properties police found veterinary pharmaceuticals and steroids, as well as ammunition – which police allege was not stored safely – a magazine, and knuckle dusters.
Testing on the drugs found they contained Pentobarbital, which is used by vets use to euthanise animals, while steroids were also found.
Greyhound Racing NSW issued a statement, which said the organisation was pleased by the laying of charges.
“The charges stem from a referral from GRNSW’s Regulatory Branch in 2016 regarding reports of irregular betting within the NSW greyhound racing industry to the NSW Police Force,” the statement said.
“As part of the investigation, a joint operation involving GRNSW, the NSW Police Force and the RSPCA took place in April at two properties.
“At this time, a number of substances were seized. In addition, RSPCA NSW inspectors issued a direction for the removal of a number of small animals under section 24N of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.”
GRNSW said the training licences of the pair were revoked in April as a result of the investigation.
