Operation Spartan hits Coffs
COFFS Harbour/Clarence and Mid North Coast Local Area Commands are currently engaged in a major law enforcement activity.
Thousands of police officers are taking part in a major intelligence-gathering and proactive-policing operation across NSW this weekend.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Operation Spartan which was established in January 2012 to investigate gun crime and criminal gangs.
This current operation began at 4pm on Friday and will conclude at midnight tonight.
The operation involves personnel from Local Area Commands, Regional Enforcement Squads, the Dog Squad, Air Wing, Public Order and Riot Squad, Transport Command and Highway Patrol Command.
The aim of the operation is to gather information on suspects in public-place shootings, as well as individuals, groups and organisations linked to criminal activities - including outlaw motorcycle and other gangs.
Participating officers are also targeting people with outstanding arrest warrants and conducting bail-compliance checks.
The operation additionally includes high-visibility foot, vehicle and air patrols, as well as a blitz on drink driving.
Over the two days already completed, more than 2000 police across NSW have been involved in the operation.
They have carried out 1400 inspections of businesses such as clubs, hotels and tattoo parlours, as well as 608 visits to individuals with links to gangs.
Officers have also conducted 1316 person searches and 264 vehicle searches.
As a result of these activities, police have seized 12 firearms and compiled 1014 new intelligence reports.
Since Friday afternoon, officers involved in the operation have conducted a total of 14,585 random breath tests, leading to 75 PCA charges.
State-wide since Friday there have been a total of 424 arrests and 667 charges.
Anyone with information that may assist Operation Spartan should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
