Three men have been charged following the alleged discovery of a clandestine lab and bomb-manufacturing site in the state's Central Tablelands region earlier this week.
Police attached to Chifley Police District are conducting an operation at a property in Rockley Street, Perthville, near Bathurst, as part of an ongoing investigation.
About 9am Wednesday 20 May 2026, police executed a search warrant at a home on Rockley Street, Perthville.
During the search, officers allegedly found a clandestine lab, chemicals and items consistent with the manufacture of explosives.
Police also allegedly located and seized a number of registered firearms from within the premises.
The address was declared a crime scene, with specialist officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit (RBDU) in attendance.
Police arrested a 46-year-old man at the property, and took him to Bathurst Police Station where he was charged with not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm (two counts) and possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose.
He was refused bail and will appear before Bathurst Local Court on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
About 4pm the same day, police arrested an 80-year-old man at the property in Perthville. He was taken to Bathurst Police Station where he was charged with not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm.
The older man was granted conditional bail to face Bathurst Local Court on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
Following inquiries, about 9.30am today (Friday 22 May 2026), police attended a home on Hollis Lane, Perthville, where they arrested a 49-year-old man. He was taken to Bathurst Police Station where he was charged with possess digital blueprint for manufacture of firearms.
He was refused bail to face Bail Division Court 4 tomorrow (Saturday 23 May 2026).
