Police have arrested three people as part an operation targeting the trafficking of dangerous drugs on the Gold Coast.
Operation Xray Vent was launched by the Crime and Intelligence Command Drug and Serious Crime Group in January following intelligence indicating the trafficking of illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine and methylamphetamine.
Investigations resulted in the execution of eight search warrants on Tuesday at locations in Nerang, Arundel, Spring Creek and Park Ridge.
At a storage facility in Nerang and a residence in Arundel, detectives located approximately 1.5 kilograms of heroin, 21 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 24.5 kilograms of cannabis, $411,205 cash, mobile phones and two money counters.
The total estimated combined value of the drugs is $3.47 million.
A 52-year-old man was charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine), possessing dangerous drugs (heroin), possessing dangerous drugs (cocaine), possessing dangerous drugs (cannabis), receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically and three counts of possessing anything used in the commission of crime.
A 36-year-old Spring Creek man was charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine), possessing dangerous drugs (heroin), contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically and two counts of possessing anything used in the commission of crime.
A 44-year-old Arundel man was charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing anything for use in the commission of crime, possessing dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically, unlawful possession of weapons category A, B OR M and offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons.
The three men are expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps from the Drug and Serious Crime Group said stopping these drugs from hitting the streets is a significant victory for the community.
"These are high harm drugs allegedly for distribution by an organised crime syndicate, with the sole aim of profiting at the expense of the community," Detective Inspector Phelps said.
"The use of illicit drugs impacts the wider community through links to road trauma and offences of violence, including domestic violence. The impact includes health consequences for the individual and associated harm to families and their loved ones".
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.
