SPENCE PRAISES POLICE CRACK DOWN ON DRUGS IN TRUCKS
Published Wednesday, 19 September, 2007 at 08:09 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
A police operation targeting truck drivers attempting to carry drugs through the Southern Police Region has led to 31 arrests since March, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.
Police in the Warwick District have conducted 10 operations over the past six months, as part of Operation Echo Marque, cracking down on drugs in trucks.
“The use of drugs in the trucking industry puts drivers and everyone else on the road in danger,” Ms Spence said.
“Since these operations commenced this year, drugs have been located in 31 vehicles across the region, with 16 drivers caught in the operations conducted within the Warwick district alone.
“33 drug-related charges, as well as 12 charges for other offences, have been laid as a result of the operations. Drugs including cannabis and amphetamines have been seized and stolen property has also been located during searches of some vehicles.
“These results send a clear message to truck drivers – if you bring drugs into Queensland you will be caught.”
Ms Spence said Operation Echo Marque was established in the Warwick Police District because of the high level of heavy vehicle traffic in the area.
“The Warwick District has the highest volume of road transport in the state, with five major highways dissecting the area,” Ms Spence said.
“Police in this district have worked very hard to develop methods for the identification of drug users and search techniques for trucks.
“The officers have undertaken specialised training and developed comprehensive intelligence packages, in conjunction with NSW Police, Queensland Transport, the State Traffic Task Force and the State Crime Operations Command, to ensure these targeted operations net as many drug users and transporters as possible.
“Police will continue the operations in the Warwick district and across the Southern Region, to reduce the introduction of drugs into Queensland by truck drivers and catch those people taking drugs behind the wheel.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218
Police in the Warwick District have conducted 10 operations over the past six months, as part of Operation Echo Marque, cracking down on drugs in trucks.
“The use of drugs in the trucking industry puts drivers and everyone else on the road in danger,” Ms Spence said.
“Since these operations commenced this year, drugs have been located in 31 vehicles across the region, with 16 drivers caught in the operations conducted within the Warwick district alone.
“33 drug-related charges, as well as 12 charges for other offences, have been laid as a result of the operations. Drugs including cannabis and amphetamines have been seized and stolen property has also been located during searches of some vehicles.
“These results send a clear message to truck drivers – if you bring drugs into Queensland you will be caught.”
Ms Spence said Operation Echo Marque was established in the Warwick Police District because of the high level of heavy vehicle traffic in the area.
“The Warwick District has the highest volume of road transport in the state, with five major highways dissecting the area,” Ms Spence said.
“Police in this district have worked very hard to develop methods for the identification of drug users and search techniques for trucks.
“The officers have undertaken specialised training and developed comprehensive intelligence packages, in conjunction with NSW Police, Queensland Transport, the State Traffic Task Force and the State Crime Operations Command, to ensure these targeted operations net as many drug users and transporters as possible.
“Police will continue the operations in the Warwick district and across the Southern Region, to reduce the introduction of drugs into Queensland by truck drivers and catch those people taking drugs behind the wheel.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218