11 arrested, eight weapons seized during Operation Ares - Murray River Police District
Monday, 10 March 2025 03:08:14 PM
Police have charged 11 people and seized eight weapons during a two-day wanding operation in the state’s south.
Operation Ares is a high-visibility operation in which officers used handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ – in Murray River Police District, to reduce knife crime and boost community safety.
Between 9am and 9pm on Thursday 7 March 2025 and Friday 8 March 2025, officers attached to Murray River Police District and Police Transport Command carried out a knife-scanning operation in Albury CBD and Lavington CBD.
During the operation,
- 247 people were stopped and scanned
- 11 people were arrested
- 19 charges/legal processes were laid including two possess drug supply offences, deal with proceeds of crime, and breach of bail.
- Eight weapons were detected and seized
Murray River Police District Commander Paul Smith said the operation was a success and will be part of ongoing efforts to make our streets safer and reduce violent crimes.
“We are still concerned with the number of people carrying knives in our communities and we know – in the wrong hands – knives can have a devastating impact on victims and their families,” Supt Smith said.
“NSW Police has a zero-tolerance approach to knives being carried in public places. More knife-related operations will be conducted without notice, to take these potentially dangerous weapons off our streets.”