Taskforce Maxima detectives from the South East Region have charged 15 people on 60 drug and firearm related offences, as part of Operation Whiskey Luxe.
Between November 4 and 7, Maxima detectives in conjunction with officers from the Organised Crime Gangs Group and Gold Coast District executed a series of search warrants as part of a cross border operation with New South Wales Police Force, targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) and suspected drug offences.
Across the four-day operation, 10 search warrants were executed at Surfers Paradise, Tallebudgera, Coomera, Hope Island and Worongary, with police locating three firearms, two tasers, OC spray, along with quantities of methylamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, prescription drugs and $15,000 in cash.
A 57-year-old man and a 34-year-old man, both from Surfers Paradise, were charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, three counts of possess dangerous drug, two counts of possessing anything used in the commission of crime and one count each of possessing relevant substances or things, unlawful possession of weapon, fail to properly dispose of needle and syringe, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying and contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically. Both men were remanded in custody and are expected to appear separately in the Southport Magistrates Court on November 28 and December 5.
A 37-year-old Tallebudgera man and Mongols OMCG associate was charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possess utensils for use, posses utensils used and contravene order for access information. He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on December 5.
A 35-year-old Tallebudgera female and Comanchero OMCG associate was charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possess utensils for use and contravene order for access information. She is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on November 21.
A 29-year-old Miami man and Comanchero OMCG member was charged with one count each of affray and disturbing a place of religious worship, after having been identified through an ongoing investigation. He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on November 25.
A 58-year-old Coomera man and Finks OMCG member was charged with one count of wilful damage, after having been identified through an ongoing investigation. He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on December 4.
Detective Inspector Craig Bowman from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the operation was part of ongoing disruption and enforcement action targeting OMCGs working across borders.
"We are committed to investigating and targeting members of OMCG's who threaten and impact the safety of our community. People who decide to be involved in gangs and engage in criminal activity should expect to be the subject of ongoing police attention" Detective Inspector Bowman said.
"The safety of our community and protecting Queenslanders from the threats posed by these criminal syndicates, is our top priority. Our efforts target those who seek to profit from illegal drug distribution and threaten the wellbeing of our community.
"The drugs seized were destined for the streets, leading into the Schoolies celebrations, with no regard for the harm they would cause. These drugs can destroy lives and fund further crime, which is why we are relentlessly pursuing those responsible."
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.
