Police have charged four people and seized more than $176,000 worth of drugs and cash following raids across Central Queensland recently.
On March 20, detectives from Emerald and Blackwater Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), along with local officers, executed a search warrant at an Esmond Street property in Emerald.
They allegedly located:
- a loaded handgun,
- a quantity of ammunition,
- $22,000 in cash,
- $23,500 worth of MDMA,
- $44,345 worth of Cocaine,
- and $3,000 worth of Cannabis.
A 28-year-old Tieri man was taken into custody and has been charged with multiple offences, including trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs exceeding schedule, possessing property obtained from trafficking in dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm (Category H), unlawful possession of weapons (knife) , authority required to possess explosives, and assault occasioning bodily harm.
A 30-year-old Emerald man was also charged with multiple offences following the search warrant, including trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs exceeding schedule, possession of property suspected of being proceeds, supplying dangerous drugs, and possessing property to be used in connection with a drug offence.
They have both been remanded in custody and are due to reappear at Emerald Magistrates Court tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27.
The 28-year-old Tieri man was also charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and supplying dangerous drugs, in relation to an alleged stabbing incident in Bluff on January 12.
Emergency services were called to the Main Street sporting complex just after 1am on January 12 to reports of a physical altercation between two men, not known to each other.
Upon arrival, a 23-year-old man was located with multiple stab wounds and was transported to Blackwater Hospital before being flown to Rockhampton Hospital for treatment.
It will be alleged the 28-year-old man left the scene on foot prior to police arrival.
Officers also charged two people with nine drug-related offences and allegedly seized more than $30,000 worth of illicit substances in separate traffic interceptions in February:
- On February 8, Emerald police were conducting traffic patrols when they intercepted a Mitsubishi Triton along Bonnie Doon Road at Comet. Following a search of the vehicle, the driver, a 30-year-old Emerald man, was taken into police custody and charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 ($21,00 worth of Cocaine), possess property suspected of having been used in connection with drug offence (Glutamine powder), and possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of drug offence (cash). He is due to appear at Emerald Magistrates Court on April 9.
- During a separate traffic interception along the Capricorn Highway at Emerald on February 11, detectives from Emerald's Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) allegedly located a large quantity of drugs inside a Ford Ranger. The driver, a 24-year-old Blackwater man, was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 ($13,650 worth of Cocaine), and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs (Cocaine), possessing anything for use in commission of crime, supplying dangerous drugs, and possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with commission of drug offence. He is due to reappear at Emerald Magistrates Court on April 30.
Officer in Charge of Emerald CIB, Detective Sergeant Dylan Brook, said the arrests and drug seizures will have a substantial impact on the illicit drug market not only in Central Queensland but across the state.
"These substances destroy lives," Detective Sergeant Brook said.
"In removing $176,340 worth of addictive and dangerous drugs, we will achieve a positive effect not only on innocent and vulnerable members of the public, but also on our health system due to a reduction in drug-induced violence, overdoses and other long-term consequences."
"Illicit drugs have no place in our community, and Queensland Police will continue to do all we can to target these dealers and keep the community safe."
"We ask the public to continue assisting us by providing any information regarding drug supply in their community."
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.
