40 Charged in Mount Isa Operation Whiskey Legion Blitz

Police have charged 40 people with 80 offences in the first half of the Operation Whiskey Legion deployment to Mount Isa.

The multi-level operation sees a surge of police across the district from August 26 to September 4, to take targeted action to reduce crime and ensure the community is safe and feels safe.

On Monday August 26, police responded to reports of a Mazda Bt-50 that was stolen from a Little West Street address in Winston at around 5pm.

The vehicle was located damaged at around 9.15pm on a dirt track between Falcon Street and Relican Road.

Two teenage boys were located nearby, a few minutes later.

A 13-year-old Mount Isa boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and trespass.

He is due to appear in the Mount Isa Childrens Court on September 10.

A 15-year-old Winston boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass and attempted enter premises and commit offence.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Mount Isa Childrens Court on September 10.

On August 28, police attended a Croydon address to execute a warrant, following reports of a man in possession of a weapon.

Upon arrival, police located the man and seized the weapon.

The 35-year-old Croydon man was charged with one count of stealing and drug offences.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on September 17.

As part of the operation, officers from Highway Patrol are conducting high visibility patrols in the Mount Isa district and have conducted 374 roadside breath tests (RBTs) and 20 roadside drug tests (RDTs).

A 42-year-old Northern Territory man was intercepted on the Barkly Highway at Camooweal allegedly driving whilst unlicenced and driving an uninsured and unregistered vehicle without an interlock device.

A 20-year-old Camira man was charged with one count of drug driving after he was intercepted by officers on Marian Street for the purpose of a roadside drug test.

He was issued with a Notice to Appear in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court and had his licence suspended for 24 hours.

Officers have conducted 251 proactive engagements and business checks, including 31 patrols of designated hotspots.

Police Liaison Officer (PLO) George Leon and Senior Sergeant Cheryl Sayer from Mount Isa Station visited Sunset State School, where they educated the students on personal safety and good behaviours and showed them the Mobile Police Facility.

On Tuesday August 27, Normanton police took part in a Youth Basketball tournament, with around 50 children engaging with local officers.

Mount Isa District Officer Superintendent Tom Armitt said while Operation Whiskey Legion focuses on reducing crime, community engagement was an important aspect.

"We want the community to be safe and feel safe, and that includes engaging with young people in the district to foster positive relationships," Superintendent Armit said.

"This operation has seen fantastic results in the first four days, and we anticipate that to continue throughout the deployment."

"We have received positive feedback from the community, from the Mount Isa CBD to Normanton and areas in between."

The deployment continues until September 4.

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If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

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