Detectives from Taskforce Maxima have closed a nine-month protracted operation targeting those with identified OMCG links to the Comancheros OMCG’s and allegedly involved in the interstate transportation and supply of illicit substances (specifically methylamphetamine), Queensland Police say.
Commenced last year, Operation Oscar Autocross was a protracted covert operation led by Taskforce Maxima which has resulted in the arrest of 28 people.
During this investigation Taskforce Maxima conducted tactical intercepts, including the interception of a vehicle identified as entering Queensland in March 2017. During a search of the vehicle a hidden compartment was located containing precursor chemicals including hypophosphorous acid, chloropseudoephedrine (synthetic pseudoephedrine) and red iodine, capable of producing one kilogram of methylamphetamine.
A 39-year-old man from Central Coast, NSW was charged with produce dangerous drug, possess of a prohibited combination of items, possess dangerous drugs, and possess property suspected of having been used in an offence. The offence of possession of a prohibited combination of items can attract a 25 year jail sentence.
Yesterday, the tactical phase of Operation Oscar Autocross was conducted and led by State Crime Command’s Taskforce Maxima with assistance provided by investigators from the South Eastern regions and Operations Support Command.
Police executed six search warrants at residential addresses on the Gold Coast and Logan targeting a specific criminal syndicate distributing drugs including amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and steroids throughout the Gold Coast and Logan areas.
In total the operation has resulted in the arrest of 28 people on 93 charges including trafficking of methylamphetamine, supply and possession of methylamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, steroids and the supply of weapons. A vast majority of people charged have links to members of OMCG syndicates including Comancheros and Mongols OMCG.
During the course of the operation police have seized drugs, cash and property including motor vehicles and motorcycles with a total value of $370,000.00. Investigations are ongoing and further charges are expected.
"There is a cost and risk of being associated to crime gangs. You will continue to be relentlessly targeted by law enforcement. Organised crime gangs have no part to play in our community. They cause harm and disruption across the country," Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar of Taskforce Maxima stated.
Preliminary charges from yesterday’s raids:
As a result of yesterday’s operational closure five people were charged in relation to a variety of drug offences.
- A 35-year old man from Broadbeach Waters has been charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, possess thing used in a crime, and possess utensil and personation. He was arrested and will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court 24 March 2017.
- A 27-year old man from Parkwood has been charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, possess thing used in a crime, possess utensil and supply of ‘category a’ firearm. He was arrested and will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court 24 March 2017.
- A 43-year old female from Benowa has been charged with possess dangerous drugs, possess thing used in connection with crime, and possess restricted item and Serious Obstruct. She was arrested and will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court 24 March 2017.
- A 25-year old man from Ashmore has been issued a notice to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court 24 April 2017 for the offences of supply dangerous drug.
- A 32-year old man from Nerang has been issued a notice to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court 24 April 2017 for the offences of possession of a dangerous drug and possess utensil.
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