PATROLS NAB DRUGS AND FARE DODGERS

TWO teens have been busted allegedly in possession of drugs and drug utensils in a police operation targeting fare evasion and unruly behaviour at Robina Town Centre.

A 15-year-old girl was allegedly caught with Xanax and was also charged with habitual fare evasion, it’s thought she had been caught more than 40 times catching public transport without paying.

A grinder used to chop up marijuana and a container with remnants of cannabis was also allegedly found on an 18year-old male following a search after being caught not paying for a bus ticket.

Operation Quebec Luminous was set up to target public nuisance offences and people dodging fares, with upwards of a dozen people fined for evading fares, while nearly double that were warned about the offence.

Acting Sergeant Kenji McKee said the high-presence operation was about ensuring community safety.

“This is a proactive operation to provide the community with highly visible and saturation policing … of the shopping centres and public transport,” he said.

“Police will be targeting public order, property crime and road safety.

“During the school holiday period there is an influx of persons and offenders who will take opportunity at these times.”

Senior Sergeant Andrew Frick said they had seen an increase in incidents reported.

“Across the district in the 12 month period, we have assaults, robbery, street disturbances, unlawful uses (of cars), and general graffiti,” Sen-Sgt Frick said.

“We do proactive strategies, early intervention strategies before they emerge into a bigger issues. Lately, in the last six months or so, we have had an increase in stolen cars for example.”