A former member of the Australian Defence Force has been arrested after heavily-armed police raided two homes, south-west of Sydney.
Bomb squad officers seized chemicals that could be used to make explosives from properties in Picton this morning.
Police are investigating why the 54-year-old allegedly had the chemicals in his possession.
The ABC understands the man has an extensive military background, which includes training with explosives.
The investigation was launched after the Australian Federal Police passed on "alarming" forensic intelligence to NSW Police.
Police have not established any ongoing threat to the community.
The man was arrested and taken to Narellan Police Station for questioning.
He is expected to be charged later today.
Editor's note, August 20, 2021: An earlier version of this article has been updated to clarify the specific police charges. The ABC wishes to clarify no charges have been laid regarding marijuana and there are no allegations of use or possession.
