Two Charged After Russell Island Wanding

Two men have been charged with weapon offences following targeted policing operations and a Jack’s Law wanding operation on Russell Island in Queensland on August 1, police said.

Around 7 p.m., officers conducting wanding on High Street allegedly found a knife in the possession of a 21-year-old Russell Island man. He was issued a notice to appear at Cleveland Magistrates Court on August 6 on a charge of possessing a knife in a public place.

About 45 minutes later, police allege a 32-year-old man attempted to flee from officers at a High Street public transport terminal after being directed to undergo a wanding. He allegedly discarded a knife, which police later located nearby. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered drugs and a syringe.

The man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing a knife in a public place, obstructing police and failing to properly dispose of a needle and syringe. He was remanded in custody and was expected to reappear at Cleveland Magistrates Court on August 5.

Russell Island police officer in charge Sergeant Ryan Brown said officers would continue proactive patrols and Jack’s Law wanding operations across the Bay Islands. The legislation allows police to use handheld metal detectors to search people and their belongings for knives and other weapons in public spaces and entertainment venues.