Firearms charges for two men arrested by Sydney counter-terrorism police

Heavily-armed counter-terrorism police from Operation Appleby have followed up their dramatic September raids with two more arrests carried out in Sydney.

Omar Amouche, 33, was charged with possessing 50 shotgun shells.

Counter-terror police also swooped in and charged Jibryl Almaouie with seven firearm offences, including possessing a pistol and a shortened firearm. Solicitor Adam Houda, who represented both men in Parramatta Local Court today, said “no-one” had been charged with terror-related offences.

“One of the hallmarks of our justice system is the presumption of innocence, so presume them innocent,” he said.

“The cases that were presented in court today are not strong cases, they’re weak prosecution cases.”

Mr Amouche’s family would not provide comment at home, but his mother said she was surprised he had been arrested.

Both men will remain in custody over the weekend to face Bankstown Local Court on Monday.

Mr Houda said both men will apply for bail.