A man has faced court, charged after firearms, drugs, Molotov cocktails and property believed to be stolen were seized near Glen Innes last week.

Last month, officers attached to New England Police District commenced an investigation into rural property crime in the Glen Innes and Inverell areas.

Following extensive inquiries, at about 9.50am on Thursday, June 18, police executed a search warrant at a rural property on the Gwydir Highway, Matheson, about 15km west of Glen Innes.

During a search of the home, police located Improvised Explosive Devices (Molotov cocktails), 1.9 grams of methamphetamine, 1.35 grams of heroin, other drug-related paraphernalia, .223 ammunition casings, a .22 magazine, three Stihl chainsaws, digital storage devices, a ghillie suit and camouflage clothing.

During a search of a vehicle on the property, police located and seized a sawn-off double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, a replica gel blaster, several car keys, bank cards, VIN plates, balaclavas, ammunition, and items related to drug supply.

During a search of sheds and outdoor areas, police further located a solar battery system, and items believed to be stolen including a trailer valued at $30,000, floorboards valued at approximately $4000, two Yamaha dirt bikes, a Honda side-by-side, a box trailer and signage.

Following further inquiries, at about 2.30pm on Tuesday, June 23, police stopped a utility on Taylor Street, Glen Innes.

During a search of the vehicle, officers seized an amount of methylamphetamine, 13 rounds of ammunition, and a gel blaster.

Police arrested the passenger – a 33-year-old man – and took him to Glen Innes Police Station where he was charged with 31 offences: Goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) (11 counts); Possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose (three counts); Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority (three counts); Goods suspected stolen in/on premises (motor vehicle) (three counts); Possess prohibited drug (two counts); Possess unauthorised pistol; Possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority; Not keep firearm safely-pistol; Not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm; Acquire firearm part without authority to do so; Destroy or damage property; Dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception; Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime; Knowingly possess identity plate not on correct vehicle.

He was refused bail and faced Bail Division Court 5 on Wednesday, June 24, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Armidale Local Court on Wednesday, August 19.