Sixty-three people have been charged with multiple drug offences as part of ongoing operations targeting the supply of dangerous drugs across Blackbutt, Yarraman, Nanango and Kingaroy.
Operation Butza was a proactive and co-ordinated operational response that commenced in September last year.
During the five-month long operation, police executed multiple search warrants, conducted vehicle intercepts, utilised covert surveillance and other tactical actions across the South West District.
Properties were searched with officers locating methylamphetamine and cannabis worth almost $240,000. Several illegal firearms and stolen property were also located.
Sixty-three people were charged with a total of 370 drug, property and weapon related offences. They included trafficking dangerous drugs, supply dangerous drugs, possession dangerous drugs, burglary and property related offences.
Acting Detective Superintendent Mat Kelly said the Queensland community continues to consume illicit drugs at concerning levels, particularly in regional areas, which is empirically supported by waste water analysis and evident in the outcomes of this operation.
“This drug use has changed the very fabric of rural communities, resulting in more crime and devastating families,” Acting Detective Superintendent Kelly said.
“These results reinforce the necessity to employ a joint approach between regional and specialist practitioners that target supply, demand and harm reduction.
“These types of operations were a cooperative effort, aimed at reducing harm posed by illicit drugs within rural areas, and is a great win for police and the community.”
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, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
