More than 11 people have been arrested on 633 charges today as police shut down a major drug trafficking ring in South West Queensland following a 14-month investigation, Queensland Police say.
Operation Papa Knot was established in March 2017 to target those involved in the trafficking and supply of dangerous drugs, specifically methylamphetamine supply in Roma and nearby areas.
Proactive strategies including vehicle intercepts and the execution of search warrants over the past year had already resulted in apprehending 92 people on 176 charges including methylamphetamine seized from a vehicle on Bond Street on May 19 weighing 147.2g, worth approximately $147,000.
This morning, more than 60 officers from across Queensland including detectives from Roma, Saint George, Charleville, Dalby, Kingaroy and Murgon CIB with assistance from the State Drug Squad executed around 40 search warrants at properties across Roma.
Officers made a significant arrest at approximately 6am when they attended a Derry Street property, which resulted in a 37-year-old Roma man charged with 400 offences.
The offences include one count of trafficking, 392 counts of supply dangerous drugs, four counts of possess anything used in the commission of a crime and one count each of possess a dangerous drug, pervert the course of justice and stealing.
Police will allege two vehicles seized today from separate addresses, were being used in the commission of a crime by transporting dangerous drugs.
Investigations are continuing and will be ongoing with a number of further arrests expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hart said he was aware of ongoing issues and challenges surrounding the supply of methylamphetamines to many communities across the state, including Roma.
"It is well documented the devastating consequences drugs such as ICE has on communities with the issue not restricted to just one area or region," Detective Superintendent Hart said.
"We made a commitment to our community to address the drug supply issues in the South West District and the closure of this operation is testament to our officers and the community as a whole, working together to remove dangerous drugs from the streets.
"While this is a tremendous result for all of the officers involved, we will continue to battle those engaging in criminal activity and the supply of drugs across the District.
Search warrants were executed in the South West District areas of St George in 2017 and Cunnamulla in 2016.
The Queensland Police Service will continue to target illicit drug use in both regional and metropolitan areas with widespread operations expected to be ongoing.
