More than 50 people charged in Townsville during first two days of Operation Whiskey Legion

Specialist police have charged 56 people in the first 48 hours after the launch of a major multi-level operation to reduce crime in Townsville.

The operation involves local police teaming up with additional officers from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention.

Since the operation began on September 11, 56 people have been arrested on 109 charges, including five young people on nine charges.

Police have also conducted 109 patrols of hotspot areas and have engaged with 1255 members of the community about crime prevention activities.

At around 2am on September 12, police responded to reports of a break in at two Ingham businesses.

After identifying relevant CCTV vision, Operation Whiskey Legion officers conducted search warrants at two properties and charged two boys aged 14 and 16.

A 16-year-old Ingham boy was charged with two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence.

He is due to appear in the Ingham Childrens Court on September 19.

A 14-year-old Ingham boy was charged with two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence.

He was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

On September 12, specialist officers located a 46-year-old Idalia man at a Pimlico shopping centre.

It will be alleged during a search of a vehicle police located a kilogram of methylamphetamine.

The 46-year-old man was charged with one count each of possessing a dangerous drug, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, and possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence.

He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on November 27.

A woman was detained at the scene for the purpose of a search and was later release without charge.

Townsville District Officer Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said he was pleased with the results from the first two days of Operation Whiskey Legion’s deployment to Townsville.

“We are already seeing fantastic outcomes from the first few days of Operation Whiskey Legion, and we’ve had great feedback from the community who are seeing more officers on the ground,” Chief Superintendent Paine said.

“Operation Whiskey Legion will continue to target high-risk offenders and the Townsville community can expect to see an increased presence in hotspot areas over the coming days.”

The operation continues until September 17.

0:00 – 1:05, a 46-year-old man is charged with drug offences.

1:05 – 1:28 A 16-year-old Ingham boy is charged with property offences.

1:28 – end Police locate a high-risk domestic violence offender.

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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