208 people have been charged with 431 offences as part of a major multi-level operation in Townsville over the past seven days.
Operation Whiskey Legion commenced on September 11 in Townsville with specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Dog Squad, and Crime Prevention joining local police to drive down crime in the area and take strong action against those causing harm in the community.
The additional officers were deployed to Palm Island, Charters Towers, Ayr, Townsville and Ingham, and conducted 301 proactive patrols and engaged with 8390 members of the community.
In total, 188 adults were arrested on 367 charges, and 20 young people were charged with 64 offences.
On September 16, Operation Whiskey Legion investigators including members of Taskforce Argos executed a search warrant at a Stuart address, following ongoing investigations into alleged child exploitation material offences.
A 30-year-old Moranbah man was charged with one count each of possessing child exploitation material, contravention of a relevant order, use carriage service to prepare to cause harm or engage in sexual activity with or procure for sexual activity person under 16, and using internet to procure children under 16.
He was refused bail and was due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on September 17.
On September 16, officers deployed as part of Operation Whiskey Legion were called to assist Mundingburra police at an Aitkenvale venue following reports of an armed person on Ross River Road.
The 34-year-old man was arrested without incident and charged with one count each of going armed to cause fear, possess knife in a public place, and two counts of possession of a dangerous drug.
He was remanded in custody and appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on September 17.
Townsville District Officer Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said the district was very pleased with the overall results of the operation.
"We have seen a significant amount of police activity on the ground here in Townsville, with deploying officers supporting frontline police," Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said.
"Targeting high-risk offenders, saturating hotspots including shopping centres and the Safe Night Precinct and engaging with locals enhances public safety and reduces harm being caused in the community."
"We are grateful for the support of Operation Whiskey Legion in Townsville, but assure the community that they can expect to see high visibility policing continuing throughout the District."
Since Operation Whiskey Legion launched in April, 3477 people have been charged with 8738 offences.
Operation Whiskey Legion will continue with rolling deployments in areas across Queensland.
Key statistics:
- Police conducted 301 high visibility patrols of hotspots across the district, including shopping centres and public transport stations.
- Officers engaged with 155 victims, and offered 33 referrals.
- 4002 roadside breath tests and 17 roadside drug tests were conducted, with officers issuing 257 traffic infringement notices.
- Police carried out 54 warrants, including 16 search warrants.
- 220 street checks were completed and officers engaged with 8390 members of the public.
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.
