All stops pulled out for state’s biggest security operation

GOLD COAST: Fighter jets and antidrone guns will be deployed as part of a massive security operation to safeguard the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, which start tonight.

Organisers said yesterday they had no ‘‘specific intelligence’’ of any threats to the Games, but authorities remain on high alert in the glitzy coastal strip where more than 600,000 people are expected to visit during the April 415 event.

About 3500 extra police have been deployed along with more than 2000 defence force personnel in the biggest ever security operation in Australia’s northeastern state of Queensland.

Private security firms have been contracted to provide thousands more staff to patrol dozens of training and competition venues on the Gold Coast and the other host cities of Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

Police on Monday discovered a crude homemade bomb left in a car at a shopping centre car park on the outskirts of Brisbane, causing a minor scare two days out from the opening ceremony.

However, there was no evidence the explosives were intended for the Games, Queensland Police deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.

‘‘What it does highlight to us is that these types of incidents do occur. We have to give the community full confidence that we have checked everything — which we have done,’’ he said.

Police have been given increased powers to stop, search and detain people at more than 20 designated highsecurity zones, while the Australian Defence Force has offered authorities full access to its technologies and capabilities.

That will mean occasional flyovers at the venues by FA 18 Hornets, the jet fighters used by Australia’s air force.

Police have also been equipped with hightech antidrone guns to disable airborne objects that stray within ‘‘temporary restricted areas’’.

The bulky, handheld guns are able to ‘‘detect and disrupt unauthorised drone activity’’ by jamming signals between the devices and their operators.

‘‘We don’t reveal a lot of that technology . . . The stuff in the drones space is very new technology for us and it works very effectively,’’ added Gollschewski.

An added layer of security has been planned for a visit by members of Britain’s royal family. Prince Charles will attend the opening ceremony at Carrara Stadium tonight and also present medals during the swimming events.

Organisers are also watchful for major health threats after an outbreak of norovirus struck down hundreds of security staff and personnel at the Winter Olympics in South Korea’s PyeongChang.

Three athletes from the same delegation at the Gold Coast Games had been quarantined for 48 hours after being diagnosed with influenza this week, but it was not expected to affect their preparations, the Games’ organising committee CEO, Mark Peters, confirmed.

Organisers have little control over the weather, however, which could put a dampener on the opening ceremony. Showers are forecast for the opening days of the Games and spectators should brace for a drenching if watching popular swimming events at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. — Reuters