20 officers from the Hume Local Area Command (LAC), Police Transport Command and an officer and dog from the Dog Unit carried out Operation Disrupt on October 15 across the Highlands. 

Hume LAC Detective Inspector Chad Gillies, crime manager, said police aimed to disrupt the use of prohibited drugs in public areas including licensed premises and transport hubs.

Police patrolled eight licensed premises in Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale and four train stations throughout the region. 

A 20-year-old man from Dubbo was arrested at a local licensed premises for four outstanding warrants and was charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Detective Inspector Gillies said the operation targeted illegal drug use and reducing anti-social behaviour and alcohol and drug-related crime. 

“We have zero tolerance for people using illicit drugs or acting in an anti-social manner,” he said. 

Police Transport Command Sergeant Mick Chubb said people had the right to feel safe in public places. 

“There is nothing worse than sitting on the train with someone drunk or stoned,” he said.

As a result of the operation, three infringement notices were given to people who refused to leave licensed premises. One infringement was given for offensive conduct and 18 people were removed from pubs or clubs. 

Detective Inspector Gillies said police would continue running similar high-visibility operations in the coming months to target the supply and possession of illicit drugs. 

“Following the significant results of our covert drug unit investigation Strikeforce Trinculo in July, it is clear there are people using and supplying drugs in the Southern Highland area,” he said.

The same team carried out patrols in Goulburn on October 14, when another man was arrested and charged with drug possession.