A Queensland man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today (28 April, 2025) over the discovery of almost 20kg of drugs, as well as ammunition and fireworks, inside a commercial premises in Newstead.
The Manly West man, 50, was charged on 19 March, 2025, after the AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS) searched multiple properties as part of a joint Taskforce Venator drug trafficking investigation.
The man last appeared in court on 4 April, 2025, and remains in custody.
The AFP and QPS found 15.9kg of methamphetamines, 2.4kg of cocaine, 1.5kg of heroin, 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition and fireworks stored at the Newstead property, a site to which the man allegedly had access.
Investigators also located a small amount of anabolic steroid and items consistent with the packaging and distribution of drugs.
The man was charged with:
- Four counts of possessing a dangerous drug, contrary to section 9 of the Drugs Misuse Act (QLD);
- One count of unlawfully trafficking in dangerous drugs, contrary to section 5 of the Drugs Misuse Act (QLD);
- One count of possessing things in connection with commission of a crime in part two, contrary to section 10 of the Drugs Misuse Act (QLD);
- One count of possessing explosives, contrary to section 34 of the Explosives Act 1999 (QLD); and
- One count of contravening an order about device information from digital device, contrary to section 205A of the Criminal Code 1899 (QLD).
The offence of unlawfully trafficking in dangerous drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Inspector Tim Puchala said Taskforce Venator was dedicated to protecting the community from the scourge of illicit drugs.
"The AFP is focused on preventing drugs entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm," Det Insp Puchala said.
"Even in small amounts, drugs cause immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime."
QPS Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter, of the Crime and Intelligence Command's Organised Crime Gangs Group, said Taskforce Venator had caused significant disruption to organised criminal syndicates and investigations would continue.
"The QPS works closely with the AFP and law enforcement partners in relentlessly pursuing criminal groups involved in serious and organised crime with the goal of eliminating the threat in Queensland," Det a/Supt Leadbetter said.
"This result is another example of our commitment to combatting organised crime and associated criminal activity and protecting the community from the harm they cause."
