Sydney man triggers major police search after allegedly toting ‘AK-47’ that turned out to be a bong

A man who police say set off a major police operation in north-west Sydney is behind bars after the AK-47 he was allegedly toting turned out to be a bong.

According to police, a widescale search was triggered after the man was seen wielding what was thought to be a large “firearm” on a major road in Rouse Hill on Wednesday night.

CCTV footage in the area led officers to a parked car at a nearby church, in which they found a water pipe allegedly in the shape of an AK-47 assault rifle.

Polair located the man in nearby grassland where he was arrested and taken to Castle Hill police station.

He was charged with possession of an unauthorised firearm and intimidation, which both carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

He faced Parramatta local court on Thursday where he was refused bail and will remain behind bars on remand.

He is scheduled to reappear before Parramatta local court on 13 April.