Teens caught with knives and drugs in Sydney CBD crackdown

Teens as young as 16 have been caught carrying concealed knives during a major police blitz across Sydney’s CBD, with flick blades and drugs uncovered in more than 300 searches.

NSW Police officers carrying out Operation ARES (wanding) at Hurstville train station, based on intelligence and knife crime records from the last 12 months. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Teens as young as 16 have been caught carrying concealed knives during a major police blitz across Sydney’s CBD, with flick blades and drugs uncovered in more than 300 searches.

The crackdown, part of Operation Next Gen, targets youth crime in the city through high visibility policing in youth hotspots.

Officers scanned more than 300 people across transport hubs and nightlife precincts.

Sydney City Police Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said the operation has already led to a significant drop in street offences.

“Since the inception of Operation Next Gen, we’ve seen an 80 per cent reduction in street robberies, steals and assaults. Mr Fileman said.

“The CBD is not a playground for youths to run amok,

“Committing crime, no matter what age, has consequences.”

Over 300 people were scanned across transport hubs and nightlife precincts. Picture: Jonathan Ng

On Saturday night and into Sunday morning, officers seized five knives and found drugs on four individuals

An 18-year-old man was allegedly caught at Circular Quay station with a 14cm hunting knife hidden under his jacket, along with 152 MDMA capsules weighing 20 grams. He was refused bail and will face court in August.

A 21-year-old man was allegedly found with a fold-out knife in his pants pocket. He was issued a court attendance notice and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court next month.

Two boys, aged 16 and 17, and a 16-year-old girl, were issued youth cautions for possessing knives and illegal drugs.

Another 17-year-old boy was also charged after police found a knife in his bumbag.

NSW Police confiscated knives and drugs. Picture: Supplied

The operation is supported by new wanding laws, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, allowing police to scan individuals without a warrant in designated hotspots such as train stations, shopping centres and nightlife areas.

Under the current legislation, an Assistant Commissioner must declare designated places before officers randomly scan people.

Police Association of NSW President Kevin Morton, who pushed for stronger wanding powers, said “the Minns Government should evaluate the effectiveness of these laws and work in consultation with the PANSW to make operational and legislative improvements”.

Police say further targeted operations are planned in the coming weeks as the crackdown continues.

Originally published as Teens caught with knives and drugs in Sydney CBD crackdown