Operation Boa: Traffic, drug offenders nabbed in three-day police crackdown

Hundreds of people have been dealt with for serious drug and traffic offences in a three-day crackdown across the South Burnett region in what police described as a “disheartening” discovery. WATCH THE FOOTAGE:

Hundreds of people have been dealt with for serious drug and traffic offences in a police crackdown across the South Burnett region in what police described as a “disheartening” discovery.

During the three-day sting dubbed Operation Boa, criminal and illicit drug investigations were undertaken across Cherbourg and Murgon, while road safety operations took place throughout the whole of the South Burnett.

The operation resulted in numerous drug arrests and 64 traffic infringements being issued.

A 21-year-old Burnside man was fined a whopping $1286 after he was spotted flying through a 100km/h zone at 164km, while a 44-year-old Adare man was fined $643 for travelling 39km/h over the 100km limit.

Hundreds dealt with under Operation Boa. Photo/QPS.

A 48-year-old Nanango woman and 18-year-old Murgon woman are also due to face court for allegedly driving with drugs in their system.

South Burnett Patrol Group Inspector Scott Stahlhut said while it was “disheartening” to see so many road users break the law, crackdowns like Boa would act as a deterrent for future rulebreakers.

“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,” Inspector Stahlhut said.

“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.”

Hundreds dealt with under Operation Boa. Photo/QPS.

Heading to Murgon and Cherbourg, a 15-year-old boy was slapped with robbery charges, alongside six other people charged with possessing dangerous drugs and utensils.

The Cherbourg boy is currently waiting behind bars to face Murgon Children's Court at a later date, charged with robbery, car theft, 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.