On The Beat 15 July

DOLPHIN HEADS – SUDDEN DEATH PROBE UNDERWAY

Police have launched a sudden death investigation following the discovery of a man’s body at a beachfront home in Dolphin Heads last Thursday, July 17.

Emergency services were called to a property on Ian Wood Drive at approximately 3:12pm, after a request for a welfare check.

Upon arrival, officers located a 56-year-old man unresponsive in the yard. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A crime scene was declared, and investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Police have not confirmed whether the death is suspicious but have urged anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers or Policelink.

At the time of print, no further details have been released.

ANDERGROVE – MAJOR DRUG SEIZURE

Mackay detectives have laid multiple charges following a significant seizure of dangerous drugs and pharmaceuticals during a search at a local residence.

On Wednesday, July 16, around 8:50am, police executed a search warrant at a Jason Street property in Andergrove.

Officers allegedly located a wide array of illicit substances including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, lysergide (LSD), and n-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). In addition, various prescription-only medicines and restricted items were seized.

A 28-year-old man from Mackay was arrested and charged with 19 offences, including:
• Six counts of possessing dangerous drugs
• Nine counts of unlawfully possessing restricted medicines
• Possession of proceeds of crime
• Contravening an order to access digital information
• Possession of drug utensils and restricted items

The man faced Mackay Magistrates Court on July 17. Investigations into the origins and potential distribution of the substances are ongoing.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about illicit drug activity to come forward.

(Reference number: QP2501243823)

CALEN – TEENAGER CAUGHT SPEEDING 53KM OVER LIMIT

A 17-year-old male P-plater has been fined and had his licence suspended after allegedly being caught travelling at 133km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Bruce Highway at Calen.

The incident occurred around 9pm on Saturday, July 12, during routine speed enforcement patrols.

The driver, from Mount Peter near Cairns, was issued a $1,919 fine, eight demerit points, and a six-month licence suspension.

Senior Constable Donna Hill from the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit said the incident serves as a reminder that speed enforcement is ongoing and that vehicles involved in high-risk offences can be impounded in some cases.

“Speed enforcement patrols can be conducted at all hours of the day and in any location,” she said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate these matters and encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.

LEARNER DRIVER NIGHTS ARE BACK

Mackay Police will once again host their popular Learner Drive Night on Sunday, 10 August 2025, offering young drivers a hands-on chance to build confidence behind the wheel.

Designed to improve safety and understanding when interacting with emergency services on the road, the sessions will include practical demonstrations on how to safely respond to emergency vehicles, what to do when pulled over, and how to manage roadside emergencies.

Participants will also experience a simulated Random Breath Test (RBT) process, alongside other key road safety lessons.

Tickets go on sale from 7am on 25 July. All participants must hold a Learner or higher class driver’s licence. Bookings can be made online at https://bit.ly/3GOtQGk.

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A 28-year-old Mackay man has been charged with 19 offences after police allegedly uncovered a cache of dangerous drugs, restricted medicines, and drug-related items during a search of a Jason Street home. Photo source: Queensland Police.

A 17-year-old P-plater has had his licence suspended and received a fine after allegedly being clocked at 133km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Bruce Highway at Calen

The Ian Wood Drive property in Dolphin Heads where a man’s body was discovered on Thursday, July 17. Police have launched a sudden death investigation and declared a crime scene. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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