Gold Coast police have conducted a high-visibility operation targeting drug-related offending and anti-social behaviour within the Burleigh Heads entertainment precinct.
Operation Iron Shield brought together officers on 19 September, including specialist policing officers from the drug detection dog teams, Mounted Police, Rapid Action Patrol (RAP), Southern Patrol Group and intelligence officers.
During Operation Iron Shield, officers conducted high-visibility patrols, licensed premises walkthroughs, hand-held scanner operations and targeted compliance and enforcement activities.
Drug detection dogs were also deployed within licensed premises and public areas to assist police in detecting people suspected of possessing dangerous drugs.
On the night, police dealt with 18 people for a total of 43 offences. One person was arrested for outstanding theft offences, five people were issued Notices to Appear, 10 people received drug warnings, one person was issued an infringement notice, and one person received an adult caution.
Offences detected during the operation included possession of dangerous drugs and drug utensils, obstructing police, stealing, public nuisance, bail offences, and liquor-related offences. Cocaine, methylamphetamine and cannabis were among the dangerous drugs allegedly detected.
Police also conducted 168 wandings as part of proactive patrols throughout the precinct.
Gold Coast District Superintendent Brett Jackson said Operation Iron Shield demonstrated police were taking a proactive approach to maintaining community safety within the popular nightlife precinct.
“Burleigh Heads attracts thousands of people who want to enjoy its restaurants, bars and nightlife, and our priority is ensuring they can do that safely,” Superintendent Jackson said.
“Operation Iron Shield brings together frontline and specialist police resources to detect and disrupt drug offending and other behaviour that can impact the safety of patrons, staff, and the broader community.
“The deployment of our drug detection dogs provides police with an additional capability to identify people who may be carrying dangerous drugs and take appropriate enforcement action.
“We want people to come to Burleigh Heads, support local businesses, and enjoy themselves, but anyone choosing to engage in drug-related offending or anti-social behaviour should expect to see police and potentially face enforcement action.
“These operations are also about prevention. A visible police presence allows our officers to engage directly with patrons, licensed venues and security staff and intervene before behaviour escalates.”
Police will continue to use intelligence-led operations and specialist resources to target offending across Gold Coast entertainment precincts and maintain community safety.
