Detectives from Taskforce Maxima South Eastern Region have charged 15 people on more than 50 charges following an operation targeting the alleged recruitment of gang members across the southeast.
Operation Whiskey Rebound was launched in September 2024, to investigate members, former members and associates of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) who were allegedly involved in recruitment, drug trafficking, extortion, arson and weapons activities.
On February 6 and 7, detectives from Organised Crime Gangs Group, supported by Criminal Investigation Branches (CIBs) from Brisbane, Caboolture, Rockhampton and Maryborough executed simultaneous search warrants at various locations across the southeast.
As a result of the searches, detectives located two firearms (revolvers), a large quantity of ammunition, a grow house with 19 plants, quantities of cocaine, cannabis and methylamphetamine and approximately $20,000 cash.
Detectives located and charged 15 people with a total of 54 charges, including three men who were charged with recruiting persons to become a participant in a criminal organisation.
Acting Detective Superintendent Craig Bowman said the operation has disrupted a newly formed street gang.
"We gained intelligence that both current and former Comanchero members had been actively recruiting members for a newly formed street gang known as '50 street crew'," Acting Superintendent Bowman said.
"This operation interfered with these efforts early and have effectively disrupted the gang's activities regarding drug trafficking across the south east.
"Thanks to the collaboration of approximately 40 police officers from various criminal investigative branches, we were able to effectively coordinate 12 search warrants across two days resulting in significant arrests and charges, and ultimately, the disruption of drug trafficking and violent activities in Queensland."
As part of the search warrants, detectives also located a suspected 'safe house' at Darra, where they located a kilogram of cocaine, 85 grams of methylamphetamine, a cannabis grow house, one firearm (revolver) and two kilograms of cannabis.
Two men and two women were located and arrested at the scene.
A 52-year-old Darra man has been charged with one count of producing dangerous drugs, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, possess utensils and authority required to possess explosives. He is expected to appear at Richlands Magistrates Court on March 31.
A 37-year-old Darra man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, one count of possessing property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence under the Drugs Misuse Act, possess utensils or pipes and authority to possess explosives. He is expected to appear at Richlands Magistrates Court on March 17.
The two women, 42-year-old and 17-year-old, were issued warnings.
At another search warrant carried out in Caboolture, detectives located and arrested a man in relation to a grievous bodily harm incident that allegedly occurred in Pallara on July 12, 2024.
A 45-year-old Upper Caboolture man has been charged with one count each of drug trafficking, grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, torture, possessing dangerous drugs, possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence, recruiting persons to become a participant in a criminal organisation, and possess utensils.
Additional search warrants were carried out at properties in Mt Cotton, Yarrabilba, Broadbeach, Capalaba and Springwood.
Additional charges include:
A 44-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with one count each of drug trafficking and recruiting persons to become a participant in a criminal organisation. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
A 38-year-old Mount Cotton man has been charged with one count each of drug trafficking, recruiting persons to become a participant in a criminal organisation, and possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
A 39-year-old Yarrabilba man has been charged with one count each of drug trafficking and recruiting persons to become a participant in a criminal organisation. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 3.
A 27-year-old Broadbeach man has been charged with one count of drug trafficking, dangerous conduct with a weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is expected to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on February 13.
A 22-year-old Slacks Creek man has been charged with one count of drug trafficking. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
A 21-year-old Capalaba man has been charged with one count of drug trafficking. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 21.
A 16-year-old Sydney boy has been issued a warning for possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensil. Issued a drug warning for cannabis possession.
A 22-year-old Underwood man has been charged with one count of drug trafficking. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 3.
A 22-year-old Eagleby man has been charged with one count of drug trafficking. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
A 23-year-old Crestmead man has been charged with two counts each of drug trafficking and assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count each of arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
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.
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