The manhunt for Dezi Freeman, accused of killing two police officers, has entered its third week. Authorities are determined to bring the 56-year-old to justice, employing extensive resources in what is being described as the largest tactical operation in Australia’s history. More than 125 specialist officers from various states and New Zealand are involved in the search.

Freeman is accused of fatally shooting officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart at a property in Porepunkah, located about 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne, on August 26. After the incident, he fled into the surrounding bushland. Since then, there have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby.

Photos released by Victoria Police illustrate the challenging conditions faced by the search teams. Officers are seen navigating through narrow rock crevices, exploring dark caves, and parachuting into remote areas. Other images depict camouflaged officers traversing snow-covered hills and carrying police dogs across waterways.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Russell Barrett described the search area as "incredibly, incredibly rugged." He acknowledged the efforts of those who traveled from other regions to assist. "The terrain is incredibly difficult," Barrett said. "The danger in terms of what we're confronted with is incredibly difficult as well ... we're looking for a person who is armed, dangerous and has had a recent history of murdering two police officers."

The search has covered hundreds of properties, abandoned structures, mine shafts, plantations, and gorges. However, Barrett did not disclose whether any signs of Freeman or evidence of his presence in the area had been found.

In an effort to gather information, Victoria Police has offered a $1 million reward for tips leading to Freeman's capture, marking the largest financial incentive in the state’s history for such an arrest. Since the officers' deaths, over 1,100 tips have been submitted, including nearly 200 since the reward was announced.

On Sunday, police lifted travel warnings for the Porepunkah area, allowing residents to resume normal activities ahead of the school holidays. Barrett emphasized the need to balance the search efforts with the community's needs. He urged travelers to remain vigilant as they enter the area.

Barrett stated that while the search may evolve, police will not cease their efforts until Freeman is apprehended. He mentioned various possibilities regarding Freeman's status, including that he may still be in the area, could be receiving assistance, or may even be deceased. Barrett reiterated his plea for Freeman to surrender peacefully.

Freeman's wife, Mali, and a 15-year-old boy were previously arrested, with indications that charges may be forthcoming. While police have interviewed Freeman's immediate family, reports suggest they have not been very cooperative. His extended family has distanced themselves from him, with one relative expressing distress over his actions, stating, "It makes me sick knowing a family member has taken multiple lives."