May 24, 2022
Hundreds of motorists have been pulled over by police in the South Burnett during a four-day crackdown dubbed “Operation Boa”.
The police operation, which also targeted drug offences, involved detectives and general duties police from Murgon and Cherbourg, the Darling Downs Tactical Crime Squad and the Road Policing Task Force.
It ran from May 19-22.
Police issued 64 traffic infringement notices – 62 for speeding, including a 21-year-old Burnside man allegedly detected doing 164km/h in a 100km/h zone.
He was fined $1286, issued with eight demerit points and lost his licence for six months.
Police also conducted 409 roadside breath tests and 93 roadside drug tests.
A 48-year-old Nanango woman, stopped on Henry Street, Nanango, and an 18-year-old Murgon woman, stopped on the Bunya Highway, are alleged to have returned a positive result to roadside drug tests.
South Burnett Patrol Group Inspector Scott Stahlhut said while it was disheartening to see so many road users break the law, enforcement action would act as a determent and enhance community safety.
“We are utilising enhanced detection techniques and implementing increased patrols to ensure the South Burnett community is safe on the road,” Insp Stahlhut said.
“Speed is a critical factor in road fatalities, and unfortunately 12 people have lost their lives on roads in the Darling Downs this year, which is five more than this time last year.
“Our officers are continually trained and upskilled in mobile, handheld and stationary speed detection, and we encourage all motorists to take care on the roads and expect to see police anywhere, anytime.”
Police also executed five search warrants in Cherbourg, resulting in six people being charged with drug possession, possession of drug utensils or failure to dispose of a syringe.
A 15-year-old Cherbourg boy was also charged with robbery, stealing a vehicle, four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premises with intent, two counts of stealing, wilful damage of police property and four counts of unlicensed driving. He was remanded in custody and will appear in Murgon Children’s Court.
“Public safety activities like Operation Boa are well-received by locals, and we plan to continue doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the South Burnett community,” Insp Stahlhut said.
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Raw Video from QPS
[UPDATED]
