Man charged with procuring children online after search at Stuart property

A 30-year-old man has been charged with a series of serious offences, including using the internet to procure children under 16, as part of a major police crackdown in Townsville. Watch the video

A 30-year-old Moranbah man has been charged with a series of serious offences, including using the internet to procure children under 16, as part of a major police crackdown in Townsville.

The arrest was part of Operation Whiskey Legion, a large-scale eight-day initiative targeting high-risk offenders which is set to wrap up this Wednesday.

It has seen so far 208 people charged with 431 offences as police from specialist units joined local officers in a sweeping crime prevention effort.

The Moranbah man’s arrest occurred on Monday, September 16 when police executed a search warrant at a Stuart property.

Investigators charged him with offences including possession of child exploitation material, use carriage service to prepare to cause harm or engage in sexual activity with or procure for sexual activity person under 16, and using the internet to procure children under 16.

He was refused bail and appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Another significant arrest occurred in Aitkenvale, where a 34-year-old man was charged after being found armed on Ross River Road on Monday.

He was taken into custody without incident and faces multiple charges, including going armed to cause fear and drug possession.

A 34-year-old man was arrested in Aitkenvale for going armed to cause fear and drug possession on Ross River Road on Monday. Source: QPS

Operation Whiskey Legion, which also saw police deployed to Palm Island, Charters Towers, Ayr, and Ingham, resulted in 188 adults facing 367 charges, while 20 young people were charged with 64 offences.

Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said the operation’s impact has been felt across the district, with increased police visibility and proactive patrols helping to reduce crime.

“We have seen a significant amount of police activity on the ground here in Townsville, with deploying officers supporting frontline police,” he said.

“Targeting high-risk offenders, saturating hotspots including shopping centres and the Safe Night Precinct and engaging with locals enhances public safety and reduces harm being caused in the community.”

“We are grateful for the support of Operation Whiskey Legion in Townsville, but assure the community that they can expect to see high visibility policing continuing throughout the District.”

Originally published as Man charged with procuring children online after search at Stuart property