Cairns man on child drug and grooming charges after six month police investigation
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
A man has appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on charges of drugging and indecently assaulting eight local children.
The 58-year-old Cairns man has been charged with multiple offences after a six-month police investigation called Operation Uniform Kalahari.
Police set up the operation to investigate the alleged grooming and exploitation of at least eight vulnerable young people in the Cairns area since January this year.
It will be alleged the girls, seven of them aged under 16, were groomed, indecently assaulted, and supplied with dangerous drugs including methylamphetamine and cannabis.
The man was arrested on the weekend and later charged with more than 20 offences, including grooming, indecent treatment of a child under 16, and supply and possession of drugs.
He appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody to reappear on August 3rd.
Officer in Charge of the Cairns District Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Gooiker, said the children had been very brave talking to police.
“The immense bravery of victims in these matters to come forward and speak to police, allows us to track down these offenders and put them before the courts.
“We will investigate all reports of offences against children, and arrest and charge alleged offenders within the full force of the law.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing and they are providing support to the young people involved and their families. They’ve appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
