Brisbane police have seized a range of dangerous weapons, including axes, knives and a flick knife, during proactive patrols as part of Operation Marshall.

The targeted wanding operations, carried out across the city under Jack’s Law, have seen more than 70 people charged with nearly 140 offences since the legislation became permanent and expanded on 18 July. Officers have conducted more than 4,900 scans, resulting in the detection of 28 weapons, including axes, knives and knuckledusters.

On 24 August, Sherwood police allegedly located an axe and garden shears on a man during a wanding operation at Corinda train station. The 42-year-old Corinda man was charged with two counts of possessing a knife in a public place. He is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 September.

Two days earlier, on 22 August, Fortitude Valley police seized a flick knife while conducting Jack’s Law wandings in the Safe Night Precinct. A 24-year-old Toowong man has been charged with unlawful possession of a Category M weapon and will face Brisbane Magistrates Court on 9 September.

On 20 August, Sherwood police also allegedly detected an axe during operations at Oxley train station. A 42-year-old Oxley man was issued an adult caution for possessing a knife in public.

Police said wanding operations have been stepped up in public spaces, including transport hubs, shopping centres, licensed venues, sporting precincts and Bay Islands communities, to both deter and detect unlawful weapon possession.

In a recent two-week deployment on Russell Island, officers scanned 65 people, with no edged weapons located. Police said the result showed the effectiveness of visible patrols and ongoing community engagement.

A Queensland Police spokesperson said Operation Marshall aimed not only to detect and remove dangerous weapons but also to educate the public.

“By scanning for and removing edged weapons from public places, we are reducing the risk of harm and sending a clear message that carrying these items unlawfully will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.

Police confirmed proactive patrols will continue across Brisbane as part of regular Jack’s Law enforcement.