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AAP
AAP
National
Laine Clark

Hundreds of weapons seized under new search laws

Brett and Belinda Beasley, whose 17 year old son Jack was stabbed to death, pushed for the laws. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Tomahawks, knuckle dusters and butcher's knives are among more than 400 weapons seized under new Queensland laws passed after a 17-year-old's fatal stabbing.

Hammers, screwdrivers and hunting knives also featured in the hundreds of items found under expanded powers for police to stop and search people this year.

Police are allowed to use a metal detecting wand in night precincts, transit hubs and public transport under Jack's Law, which was passed in March.

The legislation was introduced by the Queensland government in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast in 2019.

In eight months under Jack's Law, almost 3500 handheld wanding operations have been conducted across Queensland and more than 39,000 people scanned.

Police said it had led to 1070 people being charged with almost 1900 offences, predominantly for weapon and drug matters.

Queensland's crackdown on youth crime has also included the introduction of reforms that will ban the sale of knives, axes and machetes as well as replica firearms including gel blasters to anyone under 18.

Police said the new weapon sale ban aimed to support Jack's Law.

"The successful seizure of more than 400 weapons is a testament to Jack's Law and has no doubt saved members of the public from harm," Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said.

"This is just one step in the right direction, our work doesn't end here."

He said the wanding program's success was a credit to Jack Beasley's parents Brett and Belinda and their hard work for the foundation named after their late son.

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