Thirty Charged with 91 Offences in South Burnett Police Crackdown

Queensland Police charged 30 people with 91 offences during Operation Lionrock, a three-day enforcement initiative targeting property, vehicle, and drug-related offences across the South Burnett region between 19 and 21 October.

The operation combined general duties officers with specialist personnel from the Kingaroy and Murgon Criminal Investigation Branch, the Darling Downs District Tactical Crime Squad, and the Toowoomba Highway Patrol Unit. According to police, the effort focused on high-visibility enforcement, bail compliance checks, street checks, and the execution of multiple search warrants to disrupt criminal activity.

Several specific charges were outlined by police following the execution of search warrants:

• On 19 October, officers searched a property in Kingaroy and allegedly seized a small amount of cocaine and drug utensils. A 22-year-old Kingaroy woman was charged with possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils, and possessing property used in connection with a crime. She is scheduled to appear in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on 25 November.
• On 21 October, police searched a Cherbourg property following an investigation into an armed robbery and vehicle theft reported in Murgon and Moffatdale on 13 October. A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with 21 offences, including armed robbery, stealing, enter premises and commit, and four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He appeared in Kingaroy Childrens Court on 22 October.
• Also on 21 October, another search warrant was executed at a Cherbourg address linked to the theft of a 2020 MG MG3 from Mackenzie Street in Wondai on 17 October. Police allege the car was stolen around 6:00 a.m. and later recovered in Murgon. A 15-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.

South Burnett Patrol Group Acting Inspector Scott Prendergast stated that the targeted multi-unit approach aimed to address crimes that impact local communities, families, and businesses. Police confirmed that similar enforcement operations will continue across the region.

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