Police from the Wide Bay Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) have successfully concluded an investigation targeting the trafficking of dangerous drugs in the district, with support from the State Drug Squad.
Operation Xray Colugo began in March to target the distribution of cocaine at licensed premises at Torquay and Scarness.
It will be alleged those drugs were then further distributed across the state between Brisbane and Gladstone.
Around 3pm on 15 July, police intercepted a red Nissan Pulsar on the corner of Tooley Street and Walker Street in Maryborough where is it alleged the driver returned a positive roadside drug test.
The vehicle was subsequently searched with police locating 28 grams of cocaine and nearly $16,000 cash, as well as three firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Search warrants were also executed at multiple addresses in Pialba, Eli Waters, Urraween, Craignish, Torquay, Sunshine Acres, Beelbi Creek, Dundowran and south Brisbane on 5 and 6 August.
Around 10am on 5 August, police intercepted a silver Ford Kugaon Browns Plains Road in Browns Plains.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located a kilogram of cocaine and more than $27,000 cash.
At approximately 3.14pm that same day, police intercepted a white MG ZST in a car park behind a licensed premise on Boat Harbour Drive in Pialba.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 250 grams of cocaine.
A total of 34 people have been charged on 148 offences, with 2.87kgs of cocaine, more than $75,000 cash, five vehicles and multiple firearms also seized.
Among those charged include a 25-year-old Eli Waters man on 24 offences including 10 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, three counts each of trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, two counts receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing/acquiring restricted items, unlawful possession of a weapon, authority required to possess explosives and receiving tainted property (firearm/ammunition).
He was remanded in custody and will next face Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on 8 October.
A 35-year-old River Heads man was also charged with 13 offences including five counts of supplying dangerous drugs, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, receiving or possessing property converted from property obtained from trafficking or supplying, and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.
He was remanded in custody and will next face Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 August.
Officer in Charge of Wide Bay CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Polit said the success of Xray Colugo demonstrates officers commitment to targeting the supply of dangerous drugs in the community and those who seek to profit from them.
"The supply and use of cocaine has no place in our community and most certainly within our licenced premises. It places patrons, venue staff and the broader public at unnecessary risk and contribute to further criminal offending," Senior Sergeant Polit said.
"Hervey Bay relies heavily on the tourism and hospitality industry and members of our community, be they locals or visitors, deserve to be able to go for a night out at our venues without the risk of being assaulted or confronted by drug affected people."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
