Police in Queensland have confiscated 140 knives and charged 15 people during a weekend crackdown using new wanding powers under Jack's Law. The operation, conducted across 10 safe night precincts and eight public transport stations from the Gold Coast to Townsville, saw officers scan 530 individuals.
Among the seized weapons were box cutters, a knuckleduster, and a machete. Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler stated that carrying such weapons indicates intent to cause harm. The 15 charged individuals face a total of 26 offences, with ages ranging from juveniles under 17 to adults in their early 20s.
In a separate operation at Redbank Plains train station on Wednesday, police scanned 18 people and detected four weapons, a hit rate of one in four. Police Minister Mark Ryan said the results demonstrate that Jack's Law is working to improve community safety.
Deputy Commissioner Wheeler noted that many offenders claim they carry weapons for self-defense, but emphasized that this is not a legal excuse. He described a self-perpetuating problem where young people feel compelled to arm themselves because others are armed.
The wanding powers, introduced in early April, are currently in trial form and will expire in 2025. The state opposition has called for the laws to be made permanent, while Minister Ryan stated the government intends to keep them but must ensure they are perfected first.
