Seven people have been charged part of ongoing and targeted investigations into drug trafficking in the Rockhampton area.
Detectives from Rockhampton’s Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with the assistance of officers from Gold Coast’s Major and Organised Crime (MOCS) unit executed a series of search warrants and seized a large quantity of dangerous drugs worth an estimated street value of $750,000, and approximately $80,000 in cash as well as illegal firearms.
In June, police executed a search warrant at a Lauga Street address in Park Avenue.
During the search, police located a large quantity of methylamphetamine and cocaine, a shortened firearm, and a large sum of cash.
Four men, aged between 21 and 24, were arrested at the scene.
A 21-year-old Park Avenue man was charged with two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs, and one count each of possessing anything used in the commission of crime, authority required to possess explosives, possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, possess tainted property, and contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 21 October.
A 22-year-old Frenchville was charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, and unlawful possession of weapons, and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possess tainted property, possess knife in public place, and authority required to possess explosives.
He has been given a notice to appear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 16 September.
A 23-year-old Zilzie man was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and possess utensils.
He is due to reappear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 7 September.
A 24-year-old Hidden Valley man was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and unlawful possession of weapons and appeared before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 20 July.
Around 3pm on 19 July, police executed a search warrant at Old Coach Road address in Tanby.
During the search, police located a large quantity of methylamphetamine and a firearm.
A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged two counts each of unlawful possession of weapons, and possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of authority required to possess explosives, receiving tainted property, possess utensils, possess tainted property, possessing anything for use in the commission of crime, and contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.
He is due to reappear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 25 November.
At approximately 12pm on 3 August, police attended a Queen Elizabeth Drive business in Berserker and arrested a 33-year-old man and 37-year-old woman.
Following the arrest, police executed a search of a white Jeep Grand Cherokee located a large quantity of cash.
Around 4.40pm on 4 August, officers from Gold Coast’s Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) executed a search warrant at an Industrial Avenue storage unit in Molendinar.
During the search, police located two rifles, a shotgun, a mechanical pill press, and a large quantity of MDMA powder.
The 33-year-old man from Paget has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of supplying dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically, possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and possess utensils.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 4 November.
The 37-year-old Southport woman has been charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, and unlawful possession of weapons, and one count each of producing dangerous drugs, and possessing relevant substances or things.
She has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 16 December.
Detective Inspector Luke Peachey warns that Illicit drugs cause enormous harm to individuals, families, and the wider community, and police will remain committed to identifying and dismantling drug networks and holding those responsible to account.
“Those involved in the supply of dangerous drugs should be under no illusion – if you choose to profit from harming our community, we will target you, investigate you, and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions,” said Detective Inspector Peachey.
“The targeting of illegal firearms is about ensuring that firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands, especially as stolen firearms are often linked to major and organised crime.”
“Information from the community is pivotal in helping police to identify and bring those involved in these illegal activities before the courts. I urge anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers.”
Investigations are ongoing.
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.
