Police are continuing to crack down on weapons in public, after officers seized five knives and arrested nine people on 15 charges during a one-day wanding blitz across North Brisbane earlier this month.
More than 200 people were wanded across nine locations, including the Chermside Bus Interchange and railway stations at Northgate, Central, Roma Street, Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills, Indooroopilly, Ferny Grove and Mitchelton on Thursday, February 15.
Operation Whiskey Bishop involved 55 officers from General Duties, Bike Squad, Tactical Crime Squad, Railway Squad and the Liquor Unit.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said there was still a concerning level of weapons being found at public transport hubs.
“We’re seeing similar numbers of weapons being found at transport hubs to Safe Night Precincts across Brisbane, which is alarming that people are carrying knives and other weapons into nearby high traffic areas such as shopping precincts.
“Too many times we have seen the devastation which can result from possessing a knife including lifelong trauma for the victims, their families, and the community.
“Every weapon taken off the streets stops further potential offences or harm being caused.
“Our high visibility presence, both in targeted and covert operations will continue across Queensland to protect and enhance community safety. Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by our police.”
Since Jack’s Law was introduced in April 2023, 66 weapons have been seized at Safe Night Precincts across Brisbane, compared to 58 from transport hubs.
“This is about ensuring the safety of residents, including those travelling to nearby shopping centres and business precincts,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
Officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad were conducting patrols of a Chermside bus interchange as part of the blitz on February 15, when they came across a man allegedly armed with a knife.
A 31-year-old Beenleigh man was charged with possession of a knife in a public place and failing to properly dispose of a needle.
At a Northgate railway station on the same day, officers located a 34-year-old North Lakes man allegedly in possession of a flick knife.
Both men are expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 29.
To date, more than 47,000 people have been wanded across Queensland since Jack’s law was introduced last March, resulting in 468 weapons seized across the state.
0:15 – 0:47 Police arrested a 34-year-old North Lakes man at a Northgate railway station on multiple charges including possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons. He was expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 29.
0:47 – 1:02 Police arrested a 31-year-old Raceview man at a Chermside bus interchange for possession of a knife in a public place and failing to properly dispose of a needle and syringe. His matter will be next heard at Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 11.
1:02 – 1:13 Police arrested a 52-year-old Wynnum man at a Brisbane City railway station for possession of a knife in a public place. He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 8.
1:13 – 1:24 Police arrested a 24-year-old Woodford man at a Roma Street railway station for possession of a knife in a public place. He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 11.
