Three people have been charged and five knives seized during a high-visibility police operation in Sydney CBD at the weekend.
NSW Police officers conducted a knife compliance operation in which officers used handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting 'wands' – to detect knives and other weapons in Sydney CBD between 6pm Saturday (28 June 2025) and 4am Sunday (29 June 2025).
Under the legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can declare designated places, which gives police the power to scan people for knives or weapons without a warrant in those locations, such as,
- public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations), and surrounds
- public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station
- shopping precincts
- certain sporting venues, and
- other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.
Officers from Sydney City Proactive Crime Team, with assistance from Central Metropolitan Region High Visibility Policing Unit, Public Transport Command, Youth Command, Sydney City detectives and general duties conducted 300 scans during the operation.
Five knives were located and seized and four drug detections were made.
An 18-year-old man was searched at Circular Quay Train Station and was allegedly found with 14cm hunting knife under his jacket. Police also allegedly found 152 capsules of MDMA totalling 19.g. The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with custody of knife in public place, possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug (more than indictable and less than commercial quantity). He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday 29 June 2025, where he was granted conditional bail to appear on Friday 8 August 2025.
A 21-year-old man was issued with Field Court Attendance Notices (FCAN) for custody of a knife in a public place after police allegedly located a black fold-out knife in the man's pocket. He will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 31 July 2025.
A 17-year-old boy was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notices (FCAN) for custody of a knife in a public place after police conducted a scan and allegedly located a knife inside his bumbag. He will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 26 August 2025.
Police issued three youth cautions to a girl, aged 16, and two boys, aged 16 and 17, for custody of knife in public place and possess prohibited drug.
