Police have charged 10 people on 18 offences as part of Operation Yankee Course following the sixth operation in Townsville this month.
Operation Yankee Course is run in partnership with the Department of Transport to maintain public safety and focus on the prevention of any assaults, property crime and other anti-social behaviour.
As part of the operation, officers have engaged with 31 bus drivers and conducted 223 wandings; 167 were adults, and 56 were juveniles, at bus stops and nearby licenced venues.
It will be alleged that on 9 October, officers were conducting patrols at a shopping centre bus stop on Ross River Road, Aitkenvale, about 5.30pm when a woman was located with drug utensils.
A 31-year-old Rasmussen woman was charged with one count of possess utensils or pipes ect that had been used and was dealt with by way of drug diversion.
About 9pm on 13 October, officers were conducting wanding operations at a venue on Ross River Road, Mundingburra when they observed a 26-year-old Rasmussen man allegedly attempting to hide a folding knife.
It will be further alleged that, during a search of the man, police also located drugs and drug utensils.
He was charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, possess utensils or pipes ect for use, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime and possession of a knife in a public place.
He is expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 10 November.
About 5.40pm on 21 October, police were conducting patrols at a shopping centre bus stop on Ross River Road, Aitkenvale about 5.40pm when they conducted a wanding of a 17-year-old Mundingburra boy.
It will be alleged police located a pair of scissors and drugs on the 17-year-old boy.
He was charged with one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and possessing dangerous drugs.
He was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Townsville District Superintendent Damien Crosby said Operation Yankee Course aims to improve public safety across bus network in Townsville, and it was already deterring anti-social behaviour on and around public transport.
“Local officers have been patrolling bus stops and nearby licenced premises scanning for weapons in line with Jacks Law, addressing any instances of antisocial behaviour, and engaging directly with the community through face-to-face interactions,” Superintendent Crosby said.
“Public transport is an essential service, and passengers should expect to see police engaging with the community.
“By addressing safety concerns and taking proactive measures, we’re ensuring that public transport remains a reliable and secure option for all residents and visitors.”
