Major drug operation closure in Emerald, QLD

Emerald Criminal Investigation Branch have closed a yearlong drug operation today with over 30 people charged with over 300 offences, Queensland Police say.

Operation Papa Skobeloff commenced in November 2016 by Emerald CIB with the intention of targeting a syndicate believed to be responsible for the supply and distribution of drugs in the Central Highlands area.

Detectives were assisted by officers from Rockhampton, Tactical Crime Squad as well as officers from Spingsure, Ankie, Capella and Blackwater with a number of search warrants being executed yesterday and continuing today.

Police currently have 36 people facing over 400 charges including 15 people charged with 26 counts of trafficking methamphetamine and cannabis and 284 counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

It is anticipated that more people and charges will come.

Detective Russell Joyce said the operation closure is the result of a years’ worth of hard work from detectives.

‘We have seen a large quantity of drugs and firearms removed from the community as a result of this operation,’ he said.

‘All the police officers involved have worked tirelessly to get to this point, and I want to thank members of the Emerald community for assisting us in getting the great results we see today.’

Investigations are continuing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

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