Explosive Find at Dural

The registered owner of a caravan packed with explosives discovered in Dural is in police custody on unrelated matters.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said at a news conference today (Thursday, January 30th) “It’s important that the public understands that not only has the caravan been removed and the contents been removed from the public but also the owner is out of play and in custody,.

“The risk to the public has been mitigated very early on.”

No detonator was located in the caravan which also contained a “hit list” targeting the Jewish community.

The caravan is believed to have been parked at the side of Derriwong Road in Dural in a dangerous spot from December 7th and was reported to police on January 19th by a local resident.

More than 100 officers are investigating the matter which became public only yesterday (Wednesday January 29th) when it was leaked to the media.

The Powergel explosives found inside, may have been taken from a mining site and had the potential to reach a 40m radius if detonated. NSW Premier, Chris Minns said it could have led to a “mass casualty event”.

Investigations by Strike Force Pearl, set up to investigate recent antisemetic attacks, has arrested 10 people.

NSW deputy police commissioner David Hudson has said the Dural incident may be linked to some people already charged for their alleged involvement in the spate of recent antisemitic attacks.

“We believe there is some connection between some of the targets we’ve charged under Strike Force Pearl, and this particular investigation,” he said.

The response to the find includes 100 counter-terrorism officers plus officers from operations Pearl and Shelter. It also involves the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.

Police are angry the covert investigation was leaked with Deputy Commissioner Hudson saying: “It’s important we get clean air to investigate these matters.”

Speaking on ABC Radio Sydney Berowra MP Julian Lesser the explosive-packed caravan found in Dural, his electorate. ”confirms the Jewish community’s fears.”

“People who have information about the caravan please come forward. It could have been a hugely serious event. This is not the Australia we know and love.

“There needs to be a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism.”