BREAKING NEWS: Six individuals face charges following a major police operation in Dubbo that resulted in the seizure of five knives and illicit drugs. This urgent operation unfolded on December 18, 2023, when officers from the Orana Mid-Western Police District executed a knife-scanning initiative across key shopping centers in the CBD.
Between 9 AM and 9 PM, police stopped and scanned 105 people, leading to three drug detentions and the arrest of six suspects for drug and knife possession. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Ares, aims to curb knife crime and enhance community safety.
Among the most significant incidents, at approximately 2:20 PM, officers apprehended a 54-year-old man near the intersection of Church and Brisbane Street. During a search, police discovered methylamphetamine, cannabis, and a knife. He has been issued a field court attendance notice for two counts of possessing prohibited drugs and possession of a weapon. The man is scheduled to appear in Dubbo Local Court on January 28, 2026.
In an additional development, police in Bathurst seized two knives during the operation, further highlighting the extensive reach of Operation Ares across New South Wales. The use of handheld scanners, which are electronic metal-detecting wands, is critical in these operations, aimed at reducing knife crimes in public spaces.
Authorities confirm that Operation Ares will continue, with a focus on designated locations to ensure community safety remains a top priority. The swift actions taken by law enforcement during this operation underscore the ongoing commitment to tackling issues of violence and drug offenses in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement strategies to keep the community safe.
