Three men were arrested in Sydney's south-west while allegedly preparing to commit a violent crime near a daycare center, according to New South Wales Police. The arrests occurred on Tuesday during a routine surveillance operation when detectives observed the men mobilizing for an offense.

At approximately 3:50 p.m., police stopped two vehicles on The River Road and executed a high-risk arrest. Two of the suspects, aged 18 and 19, were taken into custody from one vehicle, while a 26-year-old man was arrested from a nearby car.

During the search of the vehicles, officers discovered two firearms, balaclavas, body-worn cameras, and jerry cans filled with fuel. A subsequent raid on properties and vehicles linked to the suspects led to the recovery of a third firearm.

The younger suspects were charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unauthorized pistol, and participation in a criminal group. The older suspect faces similar charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal group. All three men were denied bail and are scheduled to appear in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook stated that the men were allegedly en route to execute a hit on an individual near the daycare center. "This was a calculated and coordinated intervention that stopped what we will allege was a planned killing nearby a daycare center — a deeply concerning scenario," Cook said.

The investigation is ongoing under Strike Force Flodine, as authorities continue to gather evidence related to the case.