Chifley Police charge 11 and seize firearms, drugs, and cash in major operation Targeting criminal activity in Lithgow area

Officers have arrested 11 people and seized multiple firearms, weapons, and drugs following a targeted operation in the Lithgow area.

Police seized over $20,000 in cash, three firearms and four prohibited weapons.

Officers have arrested 11 people and seized multiple firearms, weapons, and drugs following a targeted operation in the Lithgow area.

Operation Suppress, which took place between April 1 and 2, aimed to proactively tackle firearm, drug, and property offences in the region saw officers executing 16 search warrants and conducting compliance checks on seven Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs).

In addition, 334 random breath tests and 29 random drug tests were carried out.

Throughout the operation, police seized over $20,000 in cash, three firearms, four prohibited weapons, ammunition, 700 grams of cannabis, 28 grams of meth, smaller quantities of heroin and MDMA, as well as 18 cannabis plants.

334 random breath tests and 29 random drug tests were carried out. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

The arrested individuals face a range of charges, including assault, supplying prohibited drugs, dealing with proceeds of crime, larceny, and manufacturing prohibited firearms.

Superintendent Darren Beeche, Commander of Chifley Police District, confirmed that Operation Suppress would be conducted multiple times each year to target criminal activity across the region.

“This operation will be the first of many with the goal of suppressing criminal activity across the Chifley region,” he said.

“Many known offenders think they can get away with their crimes if they fly under the radar, but this operation shows they can’t.

“I intend to run this operation far more extensively throughout this year to target a broad range of offenders, sending a clear message that any criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

Operation Suppress is expected to continue throughout the year, with the police district emphasising their commitment to tackling crime in the area.