Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have recovered a kidnapping victim and charged one male following a police operation in Dural today.
About 6.15am on Tuesday 24 February 2026, officers attached to Fairfield Police Area Command received a report a 53-year-old man had been taken from outside a tobacconist on Meadows Road in Mt Pritchard.
Police were told four unknown males in balaclavas approached the man before assaulting him and forcing him into a Hyundai hatchback.
State Crime Command's Robbery & Serious Crime Squad were notified and commenced a covert operation to recover the victim under Strike Force Martinook.
About 10.30am today (Thursday 26 February 2026), strike force detectives – with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit – attended a property in Dural.
At the location, police recovered the 53-year-old man and arrested a 16-year-old male.
The 53-year-old man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.
The 16-year-old was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was charged with take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was refused bail to appear before a children's court tomorrow (Friday 27 February 2026).
Investigations under Strike Force Martinook continue.
