A joint operation between the Organised Crime Gangs Group (OCGG) and the Sunshine Coast Gangs Squad has been established as part of broader efforts to dismantle organised crime and drug trafficking networks operating in the North Coast Region.
Investigations led detectives to identify three people allegedly involved in the trafficking of dangerous drugs between Brisbane and the Wide Bay area.
On 11 July, police conducted a targeted intercept of a car travelling northbound on the Bruce Highway in Chevallum.
During a search of the car, police located and seized 2kg of methylamphetamine.
A 48-year-old Cooroy man was charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs Schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding Schedule 4 and possess utensils or pipes etc that had been used.
He has since been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 22 September.
On 31 July, police executed a number of search warrants across Gympie, Rainbow Beach, and Cooroy.
Throughout the operation, including the car intercept on 11 July and subsequent search warrants, police have located and seized nine weapons (including firearms, handheld conducted energy devices, and knives), 2.1kg methylamphetamine, 8.4g cocaine, 92g MDMA, 135ml GBL and $25,000 cash.
Three people have been charged with drug trafficking.
On 31 July, the 48-year-old Cooroy man involved in the intercept in Chevallum, was arrested at a Cooroy property and charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commission of crime, and possess utensils or pipes etc for use.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear at Gympie Magistrates Court on 13 October.
A 39-year-old Cooroy woman was arrested at a Cooroy address on 31 July and charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs Schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding Schedule 3 but less than Schedule 4 and possessing dangerous drugs.
She is due to appear in Noosa Magistrates Court on 12 August.
A 31-year-old Gympie man was arrested on 31 July in Gympie and charged with 10 counts of possessing dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs Schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding Schedule 3 but less than Schedule 4, unlawful possession of weapons, two counts of authority required to possess explosives, two counts of possessing anything for use in the commission of crime, two counts of possess utensils or pipes etc for use, two counts of receiving tainted property and one count each of supplying dangerous drugs within correctional facility, possession of detachable magazines without licence and trafficking in dangerous drugs.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Gympie Magistrates Court on 29 September.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bristow said this operation was focused on addressing serious and organised drug offences.
"The operation underscores the ongoing commitment of the OCGG and regional police to combat the proliferation of dangerous drugs and associated criminal activities," Detective Senior Sergeant Bristow said.
"On behalf of the OCGG, I'd like to thank the units who have supported this operation including Sunshine Coast Gangs Squad, Wide Bay Burnett District Tactical Crime Squad, Gympie Criminal Investigation Branch, drug dogs and Rainbow Beach General Duties officers.
"As a team, we're committed to disrupting the movement of dangerous drugs in the region to protect our community from the harm they cause."
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.
