Robert Bettles, 36, of Prospect Street, South Bathurst appeared before Lithgow Local Court on Thursday charged with a string of offences following a police operation which saw a section of South Bathurst shut down on Wednesday.

Bettles has been charged with possession of an unregistered firearm (not prohibited firearm/pistol), not keeping a firearm safely (not prohibited firearm/pistol), possessing ammunition without holding a licence/permit/authority, and possession or use of a prohibited weapon without permit.

Police will alleged Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted a consignment from Japan in June that contained a BB gun and pellets, a prohibited import.

A total of 10 packages were allegedly detected by ABF officers, all arriving either via air cargo or International mail from Hong Kong, China, Germany and Japan between June and September.

During this time, the matter was referred to the NSW Police Force and Western Region Enforcement Squad commenced inquiries.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Further packages, which police allege were destined for Australia, were seized in the United States and referred to US Homeland Security Investigations to conduct inquiries.

NSW Police, Australian Border Force and US Homeland Security Investigations commenced a joint operation last month before officers executed a NSW search warrant and a customs search and seizure warrant at Bettles' home early Wednesday morning.

The operation was also assisted by Chifley Police District, the Dog Unit, and Western Operations Support Group.

Police will allege a loaded .45 calibre handgun was seized from a room inside the house.

Bettles was served with firearms and weapons prohibition orders before being arrested and taken to Bathurst police station where he was subsequently charged.

On Thursday, Bettles was refused bail during an appearance in Lithgow Local Court with the matter relisted for mention at Bathurst Local Court on November 23, where he will appear via audio visual link.