POLICE have delivered another strike in a growing fight against drugs on public transport, as a blitz on local trains netted multiple offenders on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) joined local police for a three-day crackdown on anti-social behaviour in an ongoing attempt to stamp out crime.
The high-visibility Operation Southern Aurora saw multiple personal and luggage searches be performed at Wagga train station during an XPT stop from Sydney to Melbourne.
As a result of Friday’s sting, a man was arrested on outstanding warrants, a man and woman were both issued with a cannabis caution for possessing a small quantity of the illegal drug, and a further man was issued with a court attendance notice for possession.
“(Drugs) are a problem anywhere,” Commander of PTC South-Southwest region, Superintendent Dave Roptell, said.
“We try to put these proactive measures in place for drug-related crime, but it’s not the only type of crime that is getting committed on public transport.
“We’re trying to stamp out any type of antisocial behaviour and put the message out there that we’re not just focusing on the Sydney-metropolitan area.
“Crime can happen anywhere.”
The operation follows a similar crackdown in Wagga on March 30, in which a 51-year-old man was arrested for possessing a joint and a 21-year-old backpacker issued with a caution after being detected with a small amount of cannabis.
Superintendent Roptell said ongoing crackdowns on public transport were underpinned by ensuring commuters were safe.
“The communities are saying to us they see a lot more police on the network and that’s what we want to hear for their safety and to make sure that we are serving them appropriately,” Superintendent Roptell said.
“That's’ the main focus – to ensure the safety of our commuting public.
“That’s why we’ll never neglect regional NSW.”
Wagga Superintendent Bob Noble praised the police co-operation and resources involved with this operation.
“My officers from Wagga LAC will be patrolling alongside our colleagues from PTC throughout this operation,” he said. “My message for those contemplating criminal acts or anti-social behaviour on the transport network is to think again.”
