Closure of Operation Sierra Salonta

Innisfail detectives have wrapped up a six-month investigation, charging a man with drugs and weapons related offences.

During a search of a Flying Fish Point Road address in Eaton yesterday it will be alleged large quantities of methylamphetamine were located hidden throughout the property, including within the chassis of a four-wheel-drive.

Glassware understood to be used in the production of dangerous drugs was located.

Various weapons, a taser and a large amount of money were also found during the search.

It will be further alleged a man at the property was caught attempting to flush evidence down the toilet upon police arrival.

A 49-year-old Nanum man has been charged with 14 drugs and weapons related offences, including one count of supplying dangerous drugs, two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commission of crime, one count each of unlawful possession of weapons (Category A, B or M), unlawful possession of weapons (Category D, H or R) and one count of damaging evidence with intent.

The man is next due to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on a later date.

The closure of Operation Sierra Salonta introduced to tackle the supply of drugs in the Cassowary Coast area has consisted of a collaborative effort between the Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch, the Cairns Tactical Crime Squad, Dog Squad and the State Drug Squad.

“This operation was the culmination of six months worth of intelligence gathering, with a large amount of information coming from our successful ‘dob in a dealer’ campaign that was conducted in August,” Detective Sergeant Stephen Bull said.

“We are confident with the public’s help, they have assisted with targeting the suppliers, producers and traffickers of Ice in the Cassowary Coast area with outstanding results and this all go towards assisting with the reduction of community harm.”

Members of the public play an important role in helping police to shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and the arrest of drug suppliers

‘Dob in a Dealer’ is an initiative of crime stoppers and local police and reports can be made anonymously at any time through the online reporting form or by calling the police.

Anyone with vision or further information about similar matters is urged to contact police.


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.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day or call 1800 333 000.

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