Detectives have seized more than $129M worth of drugs following the arrest of 44 people in raids across South East Queensland over the last year.
‘Operation Victor Palmer’, led by detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group State Drug Squad, targeted major international drug syndicates involved in the trafficking of methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis since December 2022.
Over the course of the investigation, police executed 43 search warrants throughout the Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich regions and dismantled four major drug laboratories, resulting in the seizure of $129M worth of drugs including:
- 119 kilograms of methylamphetamines
- 7.4 kilograms of cocaine
- 231 kilograms of cannabis
- 600 grams of MDMA
- 23 litres of GBL
- 90 kilograms of precursor chemicals
Officers also seized commercial-level drug manufacturing equipment, five vehicles and $1.35M in cash.
Since December 2022, detectives have arrested 44 people on 241 charges, including 27 people charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs.
Police executed the final 18 search warrants at properties across Brisbane and Logan last week, resulting in the arrest of 12 people on 61 charges and the seizure of more than $1M worth of drugs and property.
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps said the Operation has brought significant charges over the last 14 months.
“Operation Victor Palmer has seen detectives infiltrate strong drug distribution channels across South East Queensland and remove more than $129M worth of drugs, including 119 kilograms of meth, from our streets.
“The removal of these addictive and dangerous drugs has a positive effect not only on innocent and vulnerable members of the public, but also on our health system due to a reduction in drug-induced violence, overdoses and other long-term consequences.”
“Illicit drugs have no place in our community, and Queensland Police will continue to do all we can to target these criminal syndicates and keep the community safe,” Detective Inspector Phelps said.
Investigations are continuing with more arrests likely.
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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
