Police from Brisbane Region and the State Crime Command have arrested 36 people on more than 100 charges as part of an ongoing operation targeting the online supply of dangerous drugs, Queensland Police say.
Since November 2017 investigations have resulted in the seizure of methylamphetamine, cannabis, MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, GHB, heroin and steroids.
A total of 36 people have been arrested on 121 charges including charges of drug trafficking and drug supply.
Operation Papa Snipe and Operation Quebec Prospector form just one part of a multi-faceted strategy by the Queensland Police Service to target drug offending and the threat posed by individuals involved in the supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs, including ‘ice’, in the online environment.
Acting Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson from the Drug and Serious Crime Group said many people incorrectly believe that if they engage in this behaviour in the online environment they will remain anonymous.
"Everything that you do online leaves a trace and these operations highlight that the QPS is actively monitoring a range of online platforms and we will prosecute anyone we identify engaged in the supply of dangerous drugs," Acting Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
"It is important that people understand you do not know what you are receiving when you order these drugs online," he said.
"In one instance a substance supplied by an online offender purporting to be prescription only pain medication was identified to be fentanyl, an extremely dangerous chemical up to 100 times more potent than morphine.
"You are literally risking your life by taking these substances".
Regional Crime Coordinator of the Brisbane Region Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming said police recognise that the online environment continues to pose challenges for law enforcement, not just in Queensland, but globally.
"Just as offenders evolve in their methodologies, the QPS are also evolving and adapting our investigative capabilities to disrupt and deter this type of offending," Superintendent Fleming said.
"The QPS recognises that success in respect of targeting drugs within our community can only be achieved through the combined efforts of all levels of government, industry, communities, families and individuals themselves," he said.
"Our message to users, family and friends is help is out there."
- Type in "Drug Help" in Google.
- The Alcohol and other Drug Hotline – 1800 250 015 links to state based health providers
- Queensland Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – Phone 1800 177 833
- ADIS provides a free, 24 hour/7 day, counselling, information and referral service for anyone with concerns about their own or someone else’s use of alcohol or other drugs. This is an anonymous and confidential.
Livestream: https://livestream.com/queenslandpolice/events/8079731/videos/172428023
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
