NSW police seize 108 knives and firearms in two-day weapons sweep

Operation Foil, a 36-hour stop-and-search initiative across New South Wales, saw roughly 500 officers conduct metal-detector checks on 4,436 people. The sweep resulted in the seizure of 108 weapons - 85 knives, four guns and 19 other items - and generated 150 arrests facing a total of 360 charges. High-profile finds included an axe in a Tamworth shopping centre bag, a teenager with two 30-cm hunting knives at Parramatta Station, and a 27-year-old woman with a trench knife in Tweed Heads.

In Leichardt, a 42-year-old man was detained after being seen with a knife, and a constable was later assaulted at Newtown Police Station. The operation also involved 3,295 roadside breath tests and nearly 500 bail checks. Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cantrell highlighted the proactive policing approach, while Police Minister Yasmin Catley stressed that carrying weapons offers no safety and will result in prosecution.