Detectives from the Queensland Joint and Organised Crime Taskforce have charged two people with drug trafficking following a joint covert operation targeting the cross-border supply of dangerous drugs including heroin.
Extensive joint investigations by Queensland Police Service (QPS), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) commenced in May 2023 following information received in relation to the alleged trafficking of methylamphetamine, cocaine and heroin between Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland.
Investigations began under Operation Victor Invader in Queensland, and Strike Force Nesabo in New South Wales.
It will be alleged during these operations covert detectives engaged with alleged drug traffickers, including the purchasing of dangerous drugs.
On Tuesday September 5, a 33-year-old Broadbeach man and 32-year-old Mermaid Waters man attended a carpark in Carrara on the Gold Coast in an Audi, allegedly with the intention of meeting a person who they believed would be purchasing dangerous drugs.
Instead, the men were met by detectives and specialist police.
It will be alleged the 33-year-old man attempted to run from the scene and was taken into custody following a short foot chase, while a 32-year-old man was taken into custody in the driver’s seat of the Audi.
At the scene, approximately 360 grams of heroin and 150 grams of cocaine was seized along with a quantity of cash and several mobile phones.
Following the arrest, search warrants were executed on residences at Mermaid Waters, Broadbeach, Southport and Mermaid Beach along with a storage facility at Surfers Paradise and vehicle at Varsity Lakes.
At Mermaid Waters approximately $64,500 in cash was located along with a quantity of heroin, steroids and prescription medication.
At Broadbeach, a quantity of cash, prescription medication, drug utensils and approximately 260 grams of cocaine were located.
At Mermaid Waters, approximately 6.7 kilograms of cannabis, prescription medications and drug utensils were seized.
The 33-year-old man has been charged with three counts of trafficking dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of possess or receive property obtained from trafficking dangerous drugs.
The 32-year-old man has been charged with three counts of trafficking dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, three counts of possess anything used in the commission of a crime and two counts of possess or receive property obtained from trafficking dangerous drugs.
Both men were remanded in custody and are expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today, September 6.
Seven simultaneous search warrants were executed by NSWPF in the Northern Rivers and Sydney areas, at residences allegedly linked to the syndicate.
A further four people were charged by NSWPF with drug offences to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today, September 6.
QPS Drug and Serious Crime Group Detective Acting Superintendent Melissa Anderson said the Queensland Joint and Organised Crime Taskforce will continue to work with all law enforcement jurisdictions to relentlessly target criminal syndicates and keep the community safe.
“Organised crime knows no borders and has no regard for impacts on innocent and vulnerable members of the public,” Detective Acting Superintendent Anderson said.
“I commend all officers involved in this complex and covert joint operation and warn anyone who thinks they can get away with putting these addictive and devastating drugs on our streets, to expect police at your door next.”
NSWPF Northern Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent David Waddell, said the strong results came down to ongoing cross-border collaboration.
“By working closely with our QPS and AFP colleagues, we have successfully dismantled a significant drug operation with links from Sydney to the Gold Coast,” Det Supt Waddell said.
“Following these significant results, we look forward to continuing this collaboration with other agencies to tackle drug supply across the state.”
AFP acting Commander Anthony Conway said police would continue to work collaboratively to stop the impact of illicit drugs that are felt across Australia.
“Drugs don’t stop at the border and neither do the police. By sharing intelligence and resources we can ensure that all police forces around the country are best placed to stop the scourge of drugs from impacting our communities,” a/Commander Conway said.
Investigations remain 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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
