Police have arrested 12 people as part of a protracted operation targeting the trafficking of dangerous drugs across the South Eastern Region via social media platforms.
‘Operation Uniform Riding’ was launched in response to community concerns indicating that drugs were being trafficked via online groups.
In an investigative first, Detectives from the Logan Major and Organised Crime Squad infiltrated social media platforms including ‘Me We’ posing as customers.
During their months of covert action, officers purchased various quantities of dangerous drugs including cannabis, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, magic mushrooms and sweets infused with THC.
Around 5pm yesterday, Detectives executed 11 search warrants at suburbs between Redland Bay and Redcliffe.
Police allegedly uncovered quantities of cocaine, MDMA, methylamphetamine, cannabis, firearms and large sums of cash.
A 40-year-old Tingalpa man was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs and possession of cocaine. He is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 18.
A 22-year-old Slacks Creek man was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and possessing proceeds. He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 16.
A 49-year-old Alexander Hills man from was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs and possession of cannabis. He is scheduled to appear at the Cleveland Magistrates Court on July 28.
A 28-year-old Margate man was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs and possession of cannabis. He is scheduled to appear at the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on July 13.
A 22-year-old Tingalpa woman was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs and possession of cannabis. She is scheduled to appear at the Wynnum Magistrates Court on August 15.
A 28-year-old Tingalpa man was charged in relation to possessing a firearm, possessing cannabis and possessing utensils. He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 16.
A 22-year-old Hillcrest man was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs and supplying dangerous drugs. He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 28.
A 35-year-old Indooroopilly man was charged in relation to supplying dangerous drugs and possession of cannabis. He is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 16.
A 39-year-old Greenslopes man was charged in relation to supplying dangerous drugs, possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and possessing proceeds. He is scheduled to appear at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 2.
A 36-year-old Inala man was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possession of methylamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of cannabis. He is scheduled to appear at the Richlands Magistrates Court on July 12.
A 25-year-old Kelvin Grove man from was charged in relation to trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, and possessing proceeds. He is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 17.
A 22-year-old Indooroopilly woman was charged in relation to possession of cannabis. She is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 16.
Organised Crime Gangs Group Commander, Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith says; “this operation demonstrates that the anonymous nature of social media platforms is a myth”.
“Law enforcement adapts to challenges to keep the community safe and bring offenders to justice.”
“Offenders need to know that their customer could be a law-enforcement officer and the only way to ensure they are not prosecuted is to stop offending”.
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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
