Media Release
Multi-agency maritime operation, Tin Can Bay to Bundaberg
A two-day multi-agency operation targeting drugs and other illegal activity on commercial and recreational fishing vessels from Tin Can Bay to Bundaberg has finished.
Operation Juliet Osprey was a joint operation between Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Australian Crime Commission.
The operation targeted a range of criminal activity including drug trafficking, drug use by crew members, being in charge of vessels while under the influence of drugs, firearms offences and other prohibited items, fishery and related offences.
During the phase of the operation conducted at Tin Can Bay, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay Harbour areas 49 fishing vessels were boarded.
Multi-agency boarding teams consisting of members from the QPS and Customs and Border Protection boarded and searched these vessels during the two day operation resulting in the detection of 12 drug offences detected (six possession of drug offences, five possession of drug implements and one possession of restricted item).
As a result, Queensland Police charged seven male offenders. The men, three Tin Can Bay men aged 38, 46 and 20, a 55-year-old from Howard, a 44-year-old from Nambour and a 44-year-old from Urangan are due to appear in court at a later date.
Traffic enforcement was also conducted adjacent to various boat ramps from Tin Can Bay to Burrum Heads over the two days resulting in 16 infringement notices and 18 random breath tests.
Approximately 55 personnel, including QPS and Customs and Border Protection drug detection dog teams took part each day of the operation.
Regional Crime Coordinator, Detective Superintendent Maurice Carless said it was a well-coordinated and successful multi-agency operation.
"The coordination and deployment of a large number of resources, including personnel, land and sea assets, by a number of agencies, required very detailed planning and cooperation.
“Notwithstanding the prevailing weather conditions, this operation ran very smoothly and all involved in the planning and execution should be commended for their efforts,” he said.
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