Police seize weapons and drugs in public transport crime blitz

An imitation pistol, drugs and knuckle dusters were among the items seized during a police crackdown on the Sydney public transport network.

More than 350 people have been charged in Operation Waratah 6 in the city-wide operation targeting violent and sexual offenders.

Earlier in July, high-visibility police patrols were dispatched to trains, buses, ferries and the new Sydney Metro to hunt down offenders.

Involving hundreds of officers, the operation is aimed at preventing, disrupting and responding to people engaging in violent activity and committing sexual offences.

Among the 28 weapons seized was an unregistered imitation pistol, which a 46-year-old man is accused of possessing.

Police said the suspect’s vehicle was pulled over near Campbelltown railway station in south-western Sydney.

When officers searched the vehicle, they seized a baton, knife and military-style uniforms which allegedly belonging to the man.

He was arrested and later charged with firearms and weapons offences.

In another arrest, police stopped and searched a 38-year-old man at Central Railway Station, who allegedly had bolt cutters, screwdrivers, tyre puncture items and a balaclava in his possession. He was charged with having housebreaking implements.

Officers made 137 drug interceptions which included a vehicle stop at Cronulla, in Sydney’s south. The driver of the ute, a man aged 20, was spoken to by a police who then began a search of the vehicle.

A knife, a pair of knuckle dusters, cocaine and cannabis were allegedly seized, leading to him being charged with drugs and weapons offences.

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Police and transport officials monitored hundreds of security cameras during the operation.

Information was also displayed on the 350 digital screens across the transport network and images of people who may be able to help with investigations were shown on the NSW Police Force website.

Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.