Detectives from Pimpama Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 42-year-old man with 27 offences in relation to a series of alleged chemist break ins and other offences on the Gold Coast between July and August this year.
On July 14, a white Toyota Hiace was reported as stolen from a Beenleigh address.
Later that morning, the vehicle was allegedly involved with two break ins, at a chemist at Ormeau and an optometrist at Yeronga, where items were stolen.
Five similar break ins allegedly occurred at chemists in Pimpama and Ormeau on July 22, August 12, August 16 and August 20.
Police established Operation Victor Height to investigate the incidents.
On October 3, detectives executed search warrants at two properties at Beenleigh and a third at Greenbank.
A 42-year-old local man was taken into custody at Beenleigh and charged with 27 offences, including seven counts each of enter premise and commit indictable offence by break, stealing and fraud and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possess drug utensils, unlicensed driving, fail to dispose of needle and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.
He is expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court on October 12.
A further five people have been charged with drug related offences.
It will be alleged at the second Beenleigh residence, police observed two people packaging cannabis allegedly for the purpose of supplying it.
Police also allegedly seized from the address 300 grams of cannabis, $2000 cash, two tasers and drug utensils.
A 38-year-old Beenleigh man has been charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils, possessing proceeds of crime and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.
A 63-year-old Beenleigh woman has been charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and supplying dangerous drugs.
They are expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court on November 11.
At the Greenbank search warrant it will be alleged a small quantity of methylamphetamine, cannabis, drug utensils, ammunition and prescription medication were located.
A 23-year-old Greenbank woman has been charged with one count of possession of restricted medication.
A 27-year-old Greenbank man has been charged with one count of authority required to possess explosives.
A 42-year-old Greenbank man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing drug utensils.
They are expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court on November 14.
Investigations remain ongoing, and police appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
Earlier media release: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/08/23/series-of-break-ins-gold-coast-region/
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.
