State Crime Command’s State Drug Squad in partnership with the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have today closed a major operation focused on drug trafficking and resulting in the arrest of 109 persons on 211 charges, Queensland Police say.
Operation Papa Jersey commenced in June 2017 to target the unlawful supply of methylamphetamine in the Mackay area. During the investigation it was identified commercial quantities of methylamphetamine were being regularly transported from Brisbane to Mackay and subsequently distributed by a local drug syndicate.
During a week-long closure (commencing Saturday, March 3) police have executed numerous search warrants and arrested 53 people on 87 charges (including 32 drug trafficking charges and two charges of supplying a firearm).
Drugs with a street value of over $800,000 were seized during the course of the operation and included methylamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis and performance and image enhancing drugs.
Operation Papa Jersey follows on from two previous successful operations conducted by the State Drug Squad in partnership with Mackay police and also targeting drug supply in the Mackay area.
Operation North Frogmouth commenced in April 2015 and concluded in February 2016. During this operation 88 people were charged with 217 charges. Drugs valued at over $1million were seized during the course of this operation.
Operation Oscar Hovertrack commenced in December 2016 and concluded in June 2017. During Operation Oscar Hovertrack 46 people were charged with 132 charges.
These operations demonstrate the commitment of State Crime Command’s State Drug Squad to target those persons and criminal networks involved in the supply of dangerous drugs in rural communities.
“This was a significant operation for State Crime Command’s State Drug Squad with the valued assistance from Mackay District Police.
“It is quite likely that the drugs seized during these tactical intercepts and closure will affect the availability of dangerous drugs in the Mackay area. This operation demonstrates the Queensland Police Service is committed to combating the production, distribution and sale of dangerous and illegal drugs across the state,” Acting Detective Inspector Sean Edwards of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said.
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