Gold Coast police have arrested 12 people on 26 charges as part of a proactive operation targeting community safety across the school holiday period.
As part of Operation Luminous, officers from across the Gold Coast conducted handheld scanning operations and high-visibility patrols in key areas including Coolangatta, Southport, Helensvale, and major shopping centres.
The operation, which is running until the end of the school holidays, is focusing on detecting weapons, drugs, and antisocial behaviour, while engaging with the community to ensure safe spaces for families and young people during the holiday period.
On September 24, police conducting handheld scanning at a shopping centre in Southport identified and arrested a man wanted on an outstanding warrant.
It will be alleged that a subsequent search of his property revealed two knives, a tomahawk, cannabis, drug utensils, suspected stolen property, and multiple restricted medications including armodafinil, pregabalin, and oxycodone.
The 24-year-old Molendinar man was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons and one count each of possession of a knife in a public place or a school, breach of bail, possess utensils or pipes etc for use, possess utensils or pipes etc that had been used, fail to properly dispose of needle and syringe and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court today, 26 September.
Throughout the operation, police charged a total of 12 offenders with 26 offences including two juveniles. Charges ranged from drug offences and trespassing offences to possessing suspected stolen property.
So far during the operation, police have conducted 275 wandings (163 juveniles/112 adults), 193 street checks, 45 shopping centre walkthroughs and 312 community engagements.
Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket said the results reflect the ongoing focus on preventing and deterring antisocial and criminal behaviour during busy holiday periods.
"Handheld scanning is an important tool to identify and deter those carrying weapons and to reassure the community that police are actively focused on keeping public spaces safe," Superintendent Piket said.
"Our officers engaged with hundreds of members of the public across the operation, including young people and families enjoying the holidays.
"This proactive approach not only disrupts offending but strengthens community trust."
Police will continue proactive and high-visibility patrols throughout the Gold Coast as part of ongoing community safety initiatives.
Quote this reference number: QP2501726634
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
