Twelve people have been charged with nearly 200 offences as part of Sierra Footrope, a protracted operation targeting organised illicit drug distribution, as well as the supply and possession of weapons in Queensland’s Far North.
The six-month joint operation involved detectives from Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and State Crime Command’s Taskforce Maxima, along with local police.
On Friday, August 21, detectives executed five search warrants at addresses in Diwan, Upper Daradgee, Silkwood and Koah. Two vehicles, three long-arm rifles and $3,000 in cash were seized. A total of six people were charged with 75 offences as a result these raids.
A 37-year-old man from Upper Daradgee was charged with 42 offences including trafficking dangerous drugs, money laundering and supplying dangerous drugs. He appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to reappear on October 21.
On Saturday, detectives executed another five search warrants at addresses in Wangan, Goondi Hill and Goondi Bend where a motor vehicle, motorbike and three weapons were seized. Six people were charged with 124 offences as a result of these raids.
A 40-year-old Wangan man was charged with 100 offences including trafficking dangerous drugs and money laundering. He is expected to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on September 29.
Officer in Charge of Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Sergeant Stephen Bull said the operation targeted people trafficking dangerous drugs, particularly methylamphetamine, into the local community.
“$100,000 in cash, three motor vehicles and one motorcycle were seized during this operation.
“This type of protracted operation enforces the policing commitment to target and disrupt the supply and use of dangerous drugs in Queensland.
“Investigations and community engagement will be ongoing despite the closure of this operation.”
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.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
