Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
A gang of knife-wielding teenagers, an alleged large-scale drug supplier and a man whose car resembled an unmarked police vehicle have been arrested as part of a major statewide blitz on knives and violent offenders.
Hundreds of NSW Police officers hit the streets across the state over the weekend as part of Operation Foil which focuses on targeting violent offenders, particularly teenagers linked to youth gangs and gang culture.
What began in south-west Sydney a number of years ago has become a statewide operation because of its significant success, with the weekend’s operation yielding more than 50 knives, numerous firearms and leading to more than 140 people being charged.
NSW Police South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Stuart Smith, said Operation Foil had proven to be successful because it targets known offenders and violence hotspots.
“We have well-resourced police using intel to identify people and areas of concern related to knife crime with a view to suppress any further violence or related criminal activity,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“That’s the overt, high-visibility side of things; bail enforcement, suspect targeting meanwhile, Youth Command is engaging with young persons who have been deemed ‘at risk’ of committing violent crime.
“The use of knives, particularly by young males, is a serious concern for police, and further operations are planned to reduce their use and possession in public places.”
Among the weekend’s biggest arrests were a group of teenagers who it will be alleged held a knife to a 16-year-old at a shopping centre in Penrith and demanded money. They were apprehended a short time later at Penrith train station and charged with robbery in company.
On Thursday night police stopped a black Jeep Cherokee on Moverley Rd at South Coogee and spoke to the driver of the car, who is subject to a weapons prohibition order (WPO).
During a search of his car they allegedly found a 1.176kg block of methamphetamine, as well as a stun gun, cash and 30ml of the drug Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
On Friday night police stopped a grey Hyundai sonata – which is a similar model to many police vehicles.
Inside they allegedly found more than $35,000 cash, a knife, methylamphetamine, a taser, blue and red lights and the ability to hide the car’s number plate – so it can appear as an unmarked police car.
Police Minister Paul Toole said Operation Foil was a “difference making” exercise by NSW Police.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets – and those that threaten that will face the consequences,” Mr Toole said. “Knife crime can change someone’s life in an instant, whether it’s causing injury or death to innocent people, or for offenders, ending up before the courts.
“The officers involved in Operation FOIL have done an incredible job engaging with the community and helping prevent knife-related crimes to keep us all safe.”
