CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to family violence.
Police have arrested a man in Queanbeyan and handed him firearm and traffic charges as part of a four-day statewide operation that targeted domestic and family violence.
NSW Police said officers attached to the Regional Enforcement Squad stopped a ute on Canberra Avenue in Queanbeyan around 10:20 am on Wednesday (13 November).
It is alleged that during a search of the ute, police seized a shotgun and ammunition.
The driver, a 38-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Queanbeyan police station. He was charged with possessing a prohibited firearm, not keeping a firearm safely, possessing a shortened firearm without authority, as well as ammunition and traffic offences.
The man faced Queanbeyan Local Court where he was formally refused bail to reappear on 26 November.
He was one of about 500 people handed more than 1200 charges during a four-day statewide operation by NSW Police that targeted domestic and family violence.
Operation Amarok VIII ran from 13 to 16 November, led by the Domestic and Family Violence Registry.
Police seized 64 firearms and 17 other weapons, and detected 455 breaches of apprehended domestic violence orders.
Officers also attended more than 100 schools and 12 U-Nites events – a PCYC-led initiative to create a safe space for young people to engage in activities – to deliver presentations on respectful relationships and coercive control.
This included Monaro Police District youth officers going to the colour run at Queanbeyan Public School on 14 November.
“Our youth officers enjoyed throwing coloured powder and water at the kids and it was a great day for all members of the community to come together,” a police spokesperson said on social media.
Minister for Police and Counterterrorism Yasmin Catley said police were on the front line of domestic and family violence, often responding at the point of crisis.
“Operation Amarok is just one way police respond to this hideous crime and keep a check on high-risk individuals to help prevent future offending. It sends a strong message that these criminal actions are not tolerated,” she said.
“Enforcement is crucial but we must stop this offending before it happens, which is why police are going into schools, supporting the next generation to understand healthy relationships and giving them the knowledge and tools to recognise and take action against this behaviour.”
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Help and support are also available through Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.