Forensic police remained at an excavation site at Lake Macquarie on Thursday, reportedly as part of the search for missing teenager Gordana Kotevski.
The operation comes after police earlier this this month foreshadowed a dig after items were seized in relation to the 30-year cold case.
Gordana was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street while walking from Charlestown Square on the night of November 24, 1994.
Lake Macquarie police commander Superintendent Tracy Chapman told reporters on May 5 that police had seized several items in searches stemming from a redoubled effort to uncover the fate of one of the country's highest profile abduction victims.
"We would be looking for anything that may be important to the investigation, that may have been used in the commission of the crime, and indeed we'll be looking for Gordana's remains," Superintendent Chapman said.
Forensic officers and archeologists could be seen working at an excavation site at an Edgeworth property on Thursday morning.
Nine News Newcastle reported on Wednesday night that police remained tight-lipped but it was understood the search related to the investigation into Gordana's disappearance.
Police said the investigation into Gordana's disappearance was ongoing under Strike Force Bambil but that she had not been found.
Police earlier this month said that as recently as April, searches had been conducted at "several properties" in the Newcastle area.
Despite extensive investigations, Gordana has never been found.
A 2003 coronial inquiry concluded she had died and that her death was likely the result of foul play.
Superintendent Chapman earlier said investigative techniques and technology had improved since her disappearance.
In 2022, the reward for information about the suspected murder increased to $1 million. It remains on offer for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
In early 2025, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, with the assistance of the NSW Crime Commission, started Strike Force Bambil to re-examine the case.
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Superintendent Chapman said investigators were determined to uncover the truth behind Gordana's disappearance.
"Gordana was only 16 years old when she was taken, and for over three decades her family and loved ones have lived without answers," she said.
"Police firmly believe Gordana did not disappear willingly.
"We know people have information. It may be something that seemed insignificant at the time, or something someone has kept to themselves for years.
"That information could be the missing piece investigators need."
