Six people have been charged with a total of 59 offences following a protracted investigation into alleged drug trafficking across Toowoomba.
As part of a three-month investigation, Operation Starcourt, detectives from Toowoomba Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with assistance from Darling Downs Tactical Crime Squad (TCS), intercepted a 2022 Toyota HiAce travelling along the Gore Highway at Southbrook on 10 October.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered quantities of cocaine and MDMA, more than $9,000 in cash and seven mobile phones, which were seized as part of the investigation.
Two men travelling in the vehicle were arrested and taken into custody.
A 39-year-old Torrington man has been charged with 32 offences, including 23 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, five counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking while a 36-year-old Torrington man has been charged with 12 offences, including two counts each of supplying dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking .
Both men have been remanded in custody to appear before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 26 November.
Following further investigations police charged a 23-year-old Toowoomba City man with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of supply dangerous drugs and possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence under Drugs Misuse Act while a 40-year-old Westbrook man has been charged with four counts of supplying dangerous drugs.
Both men are due to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 2 November.
A 31-year-old Cotswold Hills man has also been charged with one count each of supply dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs and is due to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 16 November.
While a 45-year-old Coral Cove man has been charged with four counts of supply dangerous drugs and one count of possessing dangerous drugs and is due to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 24 November.
Toowoomba CIB Officer in Charge Detecting Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Macarthur said police remained committed to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and holding those involved in drug trafficking accountable.
“Drug trafficking has a far-reaching impact on our community, contributing to crime and creating significant harm for individuals, families and businesses,” Acting Senior Sergeant Macarthur said.
“Illicit drugs can have devastating consequences, and police will continue to target those who profit from their supply and put the safety of our community at risk.
“Investigations like Operation Starcourt demonstrate our commitment to identifying those involved in drug trafficking, disrupting their activities and working to prevent illicit drugs from reaching our streets.”
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.
