Knives Seized in Jack's Law Sweep on Russell Island

Targeted policing operations across Russell Island on 1 August have resulted in two people being charged for weapon offences.

Around 7pm, police were a conducting a Jack's Law wanding operation on High Street when they located a man allegedly in possession of a knife.

The 21-year-old Russell Island man was issued with a notice to appear for possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear at Cleveland Magistrates Court 6 August.

Around 7.45pm, it will be alleged a man attempted to flee from police and discarded a knife after police ordered him to stop for Jack's Law wanding at a High Street public transport terminal.

Officers pursued the man and took him into custody, locating the alleged discarded knife nearby.

A subsequent search of the man allegedly located drugs and a syringe.

The 32-year-old Russell Island man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of possession of a knife in a public place, obstruct police officer and fail to properly dispose of needle and syringe.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear at Cleveland Magistrates Court on 5 August.

Officer in Charge of Russell Island Police Station, Sergeant Ryan Brown, says residents can expect local police to continue undertaking proactive patrols and Jack's Law wanding to detect and deter the possession of weapons.

"These arrests should reassure the local community that police are actively targeting knife crime and working to keep weapons off our streets," Sergeant Brown said.

"We will continue conducting targeted patrols to ensure residents are safe in our Bay Island communities."

Jack's Law allows police to use handheld metal detectors to scan people and their belongings to detect knives and other weapons in any public space or entertainment venue.