Detectives from State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group, investigating a syndicate involved in the alleged trafficking of cocaine in the south east, have arrested a 31-year-old man charging him with multiple offences, including extortion, and drug and weapons offences, Queensland Police say.
Operation Oscar Pompeii is a protracted investigation which commenced in August 2016, focusing on the alleged trafficking of illicit drugs primarily into the Gold Coast and South Brisbane areas.
The operation has focused on a middle eastern organised crime network who has allegedly regularly used violence associated with their drug trafficking. It is alleged the 31-year-old is a significant figure in this network and his arrest will have an impact on their operations and activities.
Detective Superintendent Roger Lowe, Commander of the Organised Crime Gangs Group said this is a clear message to those involved in the network, no-one is untouchable.
"We will continue to pursue those causing harm to the community through drug selling, violence and intimidation. We’ll also target the assets and profits made through illicit activities."
Detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group attended a Surfers Paradise unit on Saturday, December 2, 2017 and arrested the 31-year-old local man.
Detective Superintendent Lowe stated the man has now swapped his high end accommodation for a watchhouse cell. In addition, the charge carries a mandatory seven years imprisonment on top of a head sentence if convicted, under the serious and organised crime legislation.
The 31-year-old man was charged with:
- Trafficking Dangerous Drugs with a circumstance of aggravation in that he (together with others) is involved in Serious Organised Crime under section 161Q and 161R of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992
• Enter premises and commit indictable offence
• Extortion
• Unlawful possession of a category H weapon (semi-automatic pistol)
• Possession of dangerous drug (Methylphenidate – or Pharmaceutical name ‘Ritalin’)
• Possession of tainted property (Australian currency $9845)
• Possession of property suspected of being used in commission of a crime (mobile phones etc)
It will be alleged that the enter premises and extortion offences occurred in June 2017 when two men entered a secure Gold Coast apartment complex and assaulted and then threatened the male occupant with serious physical injury.
It will be further alleged that a during a search of a vehicle on the Gold Coast on October 22, 2016 a loaded .22 calibre semi-automatic pistol was located in a hidden compartment.
The man was denied police bail and appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today. He has been remanded in custody to re-appear on January 15, 2018.
Phase one of Operation Oscar Pompeii closed on November 2, 2017 which saw 19 people charged with 73 primarily drug and weapons related offences.
Operation Oscar Pompeii is ongoing and further arrests are anticipated.
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