A 58-year-old Queensland man has been charged after a six-month investigation into sex and child preparedness offenses.
The Cairns man was arrested as a result of Operation Kalahari Uniform, set up to investigate the alleged hairdressing of at least eight young women in the Far North region between January and today.
Detectives and police from the Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit found the 58-year-old, who is believed to have exploited the girls on Sunday 5 June.
The Cairns man, 58, was arrested for alleged childcare. (Queensland Police)
“It will be alleged that the girls, seven of whom are under the age of 16, were harassed, indecently assaulted and supplied with dangerous drugs such as methylamphetamine and cannabis,” police said.
The man was charged with 11 counts of drug dealing with a minor, six counts of indecent treatment of a child and hairdressing, among other drug-related offenses.
He appeared in Cairns Magistrates’ Court and was arrested.
He will return to court on August 3.
Police arrested the man on Sunday, June 5. (Queensland Police)
Police are currently supporting the alleged victims and their families.
They call on anyone else who has been affected or who has information to come forward to help with the investigation.
“We will investigate all allegations of crimes against children and arrest and prosecute suspected criminals with full force of law,” Detective Sergeant Major Michael Gooiker said.
“The immense courage of the victims in these matters to appear and talk to the police, allows the QPS to locate these criminals and present them in court.”