Ricky Drew to fight firearm charge following police raids

Ricky Drew, 26, will fight a firearm charge following police Raptor Squad raids in August, according to proceedings in Armidale Local Court on Tuesday, September 22. Drew pleaded not guilty to a charge of having a firearm found at a premises while prohibited from keeping weapons. His solicitor, John Harris, argued that the rifles involved belonged to a family member rather than Drew.

During the court appearance, Drew was sentenced on two older charges from February 2024, involving the possession of a knife in a public place and a prohibited weapon found during a vehicle search. These charges were laid while Drew was serving a period in prison. His legal counsel noted that Drew has been making efforts toward rehabilitation, including securing employment and stable housing while living with his mother.