New South Wales Police Charge 19 in Central West Crackdown

During a three‑day surge of Operation Soteria from 5 to 7 August 2026, police from the Central West Police District, supported by the Western Operations Support Group and Youth Command, carried out coordinated enforcement actions across the Orange area in New South Wales. The operation resulted in 19 people being charged, including a 43‑year‑old man for supplying and possessing prohibited drugs after a firearms and weapons compliance check, and a 53‑year‑old woman for outstanding arrest warrants. Additional actions included 29 personal searches, 31 bail and AVO compliance checks, and 16 youth‑engagement visits to schools and community programs.

The police also responded to a domestic incident involving a 19‑year‑old woman and a 14‑year‑old boy. Overall, the crackdown aimed at crime reduction, offender disruption and community safety in the state’s Central West region.