Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) detectives have charged a 58-year-old Cairns man with alleged child sex offences as part of Operation Uniform Kalahari.
Operation Uniform Kalahari was established to extensively investigate the alleged grooming and exploitation of at least eight vulnerable young people in the Cairns area between January this year and today.
It will be alleged the young girls, seven of which are aged under 16, were groomed, indecently assaulted and supplied with dangerous drugs including methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Investigations led police to locate and arrest the 58-year-old in the Cairns area on Sunday June 5.
He was subsequently charged with 11 counts of supplying drugs to a minor under 16, six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, 2 counts each of supply drugs and possess drugs and one count each of grooming, attempt to procure indecent treatment, offence to possess S4 poison and possess drug utensil.
He has appeared before Cairns Magistrates Court and remanded in custody to reappear on August 3.
Police are providing support to the young people involved and their families, and appeal for anyone with information or who believes they or someone they know may have been impacted to come forward.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Officer in Charge of the Cairns District CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Gooiker says protecting vulnerable young people is the top priority for the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
"We will investigate all reports of offences against children, and arrest and charge alleged offenders within the full force of the law."
"The immense bravery of victims' in these matters to come forward and speak to police, allows the QPS to track down these offenders and put them before the courts."
Resources and advice
- eSafety Commissioner a key partner of the QPS in enhancing online safety, with a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe experience online.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- Out of the dark #doiknowu a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) supported by the QPS and Department of Education, providing resources to help young people stay safe online.
- Think U Know is a partnership between Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and what to do when something goes wrong.
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
