Robert John Wheeley faces court on firearms charge over major police operation in Geraldton

A 60-year-old man has made a brief court appearance after he was charged in relation to a major police operation in Rangeway.

Robert John Wheeley of Rangeway appeared before Geraldton Magistrate’s Court this morning charged with the unlicensed manufacture of firearms/ammunition.

Mr Wheeley was not required to enter a plea.

Lawyer Faye Sellers asked for an adjournment until Monday as she said further charges were expected to be laid.

Magistrate Chris Miocevich remanded Mr Wheeley in custody until Monday for legal advice.

The charge comes amid a major police operation which began early yesterday with a Firearms Act search warrant executed on a house in Challener Street, Rangeway.

Members of the Tactical Response Group, including the Bomb Response Unit, then swept the property in advance of a search which continues today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Levinia Hugo said reports across Geraldton of an explosion on Wednesday night were in no way connected to the operation.

Police today removed roadblocks which were in place yesterday in streets surrounding the property.