Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS -Northern), Drug and Serious Crime Group have conducted a 12-month operation targeting large scale distribution of methylamphetamine into North Queensland, Queensland Police say.
Officers working on Operation Papa Elnath executed a number of search warrants in Townsville and Charters Towers over the past couple of days, arresting and charging 10 men aged from 21 to 66.
The charges range from trafficking, supplying and possessing dangerous drugs, as well as proceed of crime and weapons act offences.
All are due to appear in local magistrate courts in Townsville or Charters Towers in the next fortnight.
Of these, a 28-year-old Townsville man has been charged with 49 offences including trafficking and supplying dangerous drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and weapons related offences. He is due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court today.
A 66-year-old man from Vincent was charged with 17 offences including trafficking and supplying dangerous drugs and proceeds of crime. He too, is due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Senior Sergeant Mick Walker, Officer-In-Charge of MOCS- Northern said further charges can be expected.
"This has been a protracted investigation into a syndicate responsible for alleged large-scale distribution of methylamphetamine into North Queensland.
"The recent arrests, and our on-going investigations, will have serious impacts upon the distribution of these illicit and harmful drugs into communities in the North," Senior Sergeant Walker said.
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