Police in South Burnett have concluded an operation targeting dangerous drugs and road safety, resulting in hundreds of traffic intercepts and multiple arrests.
Operation Boa ran from Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 and took a borderless policing approach to unite detectives and general duties officers from Murgon and Cherbourg, Darling Downs Tactical Crime Squad and the Road Policing Task Force.
Criminal and illicit drug investigations were undertaken in the divisions of Cherbourg and Murgon, and road safety operations took place throughout the whole of the South Burnett.
Throughout the operation, police issued 64 traffic infringements, 62 of those for exceeding the speed limit.
A 21-year-old Burnside man was allegedly detected driving at 164km in a 100km/h zone. He was fined $1286 and issued 8 demerit points, with a six-month licence suspension.
A 44-year-old Adare man was allegedly detected driving at 139km/h in a 100km/h zone. He was fined $643 and issued 6 demerit points.
Police also conducted 409 roadside breath tests (RBTs) and 93 roadside drug tests, resulting in two positive results.
A 48-year-old Nanango woman intercepted on Henry Street, Nanago and an 18-year-old Murgon woman intercepted on the Bunya Highway are alleged to have returned a positive roadside drug test, they were both issued Notices to Appear.
South Burnett Patrol Group Inspector Scott Stahlhut said while it was disheartening to see so many road users break the law, enforcement action would act as a determent and enhance community safety.
“We are utilising enhanced detection techniques and implementing increased patrols to ensure the South Burnett community is safe on the road,” Inspector Stahlhut said.
“Speed is a critical factor in road fatalities, and unfortunately 12 people have lost their lives on roads in the Darling Downs this year, which is five more than this time last year.
“Our officers are continually trained and upskilled in mobile, handheld and stationary speed detection, and we encourage all motorists to take care on the roads and expect to see police anywhere, anytime.”
Police executed five search warrants in relation to possession and supply of dangerous drugs in Cherbourg, resulting in six people being charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of utensils and failure to dispose of syringe.
Further, a 15-year-old Cherbourg boy was charged with robbery, stealing a vehicle, four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premises with intent, two counts of stealing, wilful damage of police property and four counts of unlicensed driving. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in Murgon Childrens Court at a later date.
Inspector Stahlhut said the safety of the community was at the front of mind throughout this operation.
“Public safety activities like Operation Boa are well-received by locals, and we plan to continue doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the South Burnett community.”
Vision will be coming soon.
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