Detectives from Gold Coast Major Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) have closed an operation targeting the trafficking of dangerous drugs and money laundering, resulting in the arrest of 18 people.
Operation Yankee Rumor closed yesterday after 11 search warrants were executed at addresses in Kholo, Stones Corner, Burleigh Heads, Tugun, and Fingal Heads (NSW), with support from other specialist units, regional police and New South Wales police.
The protracted investigation targeted an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering network operating across South East and North Queensland, with police charging numerous couriers, distributors, customers and alleged organisers since the operation began in December 2025.
Total seizures during the course of the operation included 71kg of methylamphetamine, 10kg of cocaine, 3kg of heroin, 1kg of MDMA, 3 category B rifles, approximately $1.25 million in cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime, steroids, illicit prescription drugs and over 10L of GBL.
Eighteen people have been arrested and charged in relation to the operation, including three alleged syndicate leaders, a 30-year-old Fingal Heads man, a 35-year-old Burleigh Heads man and a 20-year-old Eagleby man who were arrested and charged with drug trafficking offences as a result of yesterday's tactical action. They are expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Craig Bowman of the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the operation represents the culmination of nine months of dedicated investigative work targeting a major organised crime syndicate responsible for significant community harm.
"The results achieved by our investigators have disrupted the syndicate's operations and removed substantial quantities of dangerous drugs from our streets," Detective Inspector Bowman said.
"This outcome is a credit to the professionalism, persistence and determination of the Gold Coast MOCS, supported Logan MOCS and Maxima.
"If any member of the community has any information at all in relation to the use, supply or trafficking of illicit drugs in the community, I encourage them to report the matter to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
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.
