Detectives from the Crime Command's Organised Crime Gangs Group have charged four people with firearm and drug offences as part of an operation investigating drug trafficking syndicates on the Gold Coast.
Search warrants were executed on November 23 and 24 at residential addresses in Parkwood, Oxenford, Varsity Lakes and Worongary, as well as five associated vehicles, as part of Operation Xray Tough.
During the searches police located and seized $100,000 cash, over 1.2kg of methylamphetamine, and amounts of other drugs including cocaine, cannabis, strips of suboxone concealed inside balloons, multiple firearms, weapons, ballistic vest and plates and a signal-jamming device. Police also located a Dodge RAM, believed to be stolen, and seized a Mercedes GLC63.
A 39-year-old Worongary man was charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of weapons Category A, B or M, unlawful possession of weapons Category D, H or R, unlawful possession of weapons Category C/E, and one count each of possess dangerous drugs more than S3 but less than S4 quantity (methylamphetamine), possess dangerous drugs over S4 quantity (methylamphetamine), possess dangerous drugs (suboxone), possess dangerous drugs (Somatotropin), possess things used in the commission of a crime (phones), possess property suspected of being used in a drug offence, possess tainted property (cash), possess magazine for particular Category B weapon, possess detachable magazines without licence Category A or B, possess detachable magazines without licence Category C, D, H or R, authority required to possess explosives (ammunition), receiving tainted property, obstruct a police officer and contravene requirement to provide access.
A 34-year-old Oxenford man was charged with one count each of unlawful possession of weapons Category C/E, possess dangerous drugs exceeding S4 quantity (methylamphetamine), possess dangerous drugs (cocaine), possess dangerous drugs (cannabis), possess things used in commission of a crime (phone), authority required to possess explosives (ammunition), possess restricted items (laser pointer) and contravene requirement to provide access.
A 36-year-old man was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possess utensils.
A 34-year-old Parkwood man was charged with one count each of possess a relevant substance and bail breach.
All four men were expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today, November 25.
The protracted investigation under Operation Xray Tough had already resulted in 11 people being charged on 55 charges since it commenced, with these search warrants bringing the total to 15 people on 88 charges.
Detective Acting Inspector Adrian Sala from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the possession of firearms and drugs is a dangerous combination that presents significant risk to police, the community and the people involved.
"Our dedicated officers work hard to ensure serious offenders such as these, who cause great harm to Queensland communities, are held accountable for their actions," Detective Acting Inspector Sala said.
"We will continue to direct our specialist resources and capabilities to detect and disrupt serious criminal activity to keep the community safe from harm."
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.
