Three men and a woman have been charged following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping, drug supply syndicate and firearm possession in the state's central west.
In November 2025, detectives attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Clarkton to investigate the supply of drugs and possession of firearms in Mudgee and Dubbo.
Following inquiries, investigators were made aware of an alleged kidnapping of a man, who was detained at a property in Yarrawonga, near Gulgong, by four unknown men.
Police were told he was released after seven days, suffering minor injuries.
On Tuesday 23 December 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance of Tactical Operations Unit and Tactical Operations Regional Squad – arrested two men at a property in Yarrawonga.
Police searched the property and allegedly seized stolen jewellery, ammunition, a cross bow, a stolen motorcycle, an amount of drugs and cash.
A short time later, a search warrant was conducted in Mudgee, where police allegedly seized eight cannabis plants, an unregistered rifle, ammunition and two stolen motorcycles.
A 43-year-old Yarrawonga man was charged with take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage cause actual bodily harm, aggravated robbery, damage property by fire, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, supply prohibited drug indictable & commercial quantity, police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, deal with property proceeds of crime, use carriage service to menace/harass/offend and supply prohibited drug small quantity. He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 4 today (Wednesday 24 December 2025).
A 36-year-old Gulgong man was charged with take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage cause actual bodily harm and aggravated robbery. He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 4 today (Wednesday 24 December 2025).
A 49-year-old Mudgee man was charged with possess prohibited drug, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm and cultivate prohibited plant. He was granted bail to appear at Mudgee Local Court Wednesday 28 January 2026.
A 32-year-old Mudgee woman was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. She was granted conditional bail to appear at Mudgee Local Court Wednesday 14 January 2026.
Investigations under Strike Force Clarkton are continuing.
