Operation Marshall Targets Illegal Weapons in Darling Downs

Darling Downs District police have carried out more than 360 weapon scans as part of Operation Marshall, following the expansion of Jack's Law on July 18.

The operation has seen officers conducting high-visibility patrols, using hand-held scanners to detect illegal weapons in public areas across the district.

Between July 18 and 30, a total of 361 wanding searches were completed at various locations, including shopping centres, licensed venues, and other public spaces.

One notable incident occurred on July 25, when police patrolling Lamb Street in Murgon approached a man outside a hotel. Officers allegedly found him in possession of two knives, a replica handgun, illicit drugs, and drug-related utensils.

The 41-year-old man from Sunny Nook was arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of possessing dangerous drugs
• Two counts of possessing drug utensils or pipes
• Two counts of possessing a knife in a public place or school

He is scheduled to appear before the Murgon Magistrates Court on August 26.

Darling Downs District Officer, Superintendent Doug McDonald, said the wanding operations will continue as part of their commitment to community safety.

"We are determined to prevent knife crime, having seen the serious harm these weapons can cause when in the wrong hands," Superintendent McDonald said.

"Our officers will continue proactive operations to remove illegal knives from our streets, while also educating the public about the dangers and legal consequences of carrying a weapon."

Jack's Law was introduced in response to the 2019 fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast. The law allows police to conduct wanding operations in designated areas to detect concealed weapons.