A NSW police operation targeting the state’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders has turned up illegal firearms and guns – and an exotic snake.
The four-day operation dubbed Amarok III resulted in 1107 domestic violence charges being laid against 592 people, who were mostly men but there were at least two women.
Some 139 were amongst NSW’s most dangerous offenders and 103 had outstanding warrants for violent offences.
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Some of those charged also face other serious offences including prohibited firearm and weapon possession, drug possession and supply.
Police seized 22 firearms and 40 prohibited weapons, as well as various types of illicit drugs located with 89 detections.
Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said more than half the state’s murders are domestic violence-related.
“Amarok elevates our focus on those offenders who often display the dangerousness and violence of organised crime figures and the fixation of terrorists,” he said on Sunday.
During one arrest in the Hunter Valley region, police found a rifle round, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two phones, testosterone cypionate and a corn snake, which was handed over to the Department of Primary Industries.
Eastern corn snakes are not native to Australia and are classified as pests.
Police also charged at least two women.
A number of alleged offenders tried to flee before being caught, including one man who crawled into a roof cavity and onto the roof.
Each year, NSW Police receive more than 139,000 calls for assistance and deal with more than 33,000 domestic-related assaults.
During the operation, which ended on Saturday, police engaged with high-risk domestic violence offenders on 1169 occasions.
DV ‘epidemic’
They made 315 applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders, served 500 outstanding ADVOs, completed 4882 ADVO compliance checks and 1465 bail compliance checks.
Officers also conducted 116 Firearms Prohibition Orders searches at properties linked to those who are subject to such orders.
“These figures show this is an epidemic,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said on Sunday.
“We know domestic and family violence is one of the most under-reported crime types. The police have my full support on this.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
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