Queensland police have charged 15 people with 60 drug and firearms offenses as part of a major operation on the Gold Coast targeting organized crime.
Officers from the Organized Crime Gangs Group and the Gold Coast District made a series of arrests between November 4 and 7, as part of a joint operation with New South Wales Police.
A total of ten search warrants were executed in Surfers Paradise, Tallebudgera, Coomera, Hope Island and Worongary.
During the raids, police seized three firearms, two tasers and OC spray, as well as various quantities of methylamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and prescription drugs.
15,000 euros in cash was also seized.
Two Surfers Paradise men, aged 57 and 34, were arrested and charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, along with a host of other drug and weapons-related offences.
They have been remanded in custody and are expected to appear separately at Southport Magistrates Court on November 28 and December 5.
A 37-year-old Tallebudgera man linked to Mongolia’s motorcycle gang was also arrested and charged with drug trafficking, four counts of possession of dangerous drugs and other drug-related offences.
He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on December 5.
Elsewhere, a 29-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman linked to the Comanchero motorcycle gang were arrested separately on charges of causing a fight, drug trafficking and other crimes respectively.
The man will appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on November 25, while the woman will appear before the same court on November 21.
Finally, a 58-year-old man associated with the Finks motorcycle gang was charged with a single count of malicious damage after being identified as part of an ongoing investigation.
He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on December 4.
In a statement, Organized Crime Gangs Group Detective Sergeant Craig Bowman explained that the drugs seized were likely destined to end up around schoolchildren on the streets, with police determined to cut off the supply and keep the community safe. keep.
“We are committed to investigating and addressing members of OMCGs who threaten and impact the safety of our community. People who decide to be involved with gangs and engage in criminal activity should expect to be the subject of constant police attention,” he said.
“The safety of our community and protecting Queenslanders from the threats of these criminal syndicates is our top priority. Our efforts are focused on those who seek to profit from illegal drug distribution and threaten the well-being of our community.
“The drugs seized were destined for the streets leading up to the Schoolies celebrations, without regard to the harm they would cause. These drugs can destroy lives and fund further crime, which is why we are ruthlessly prosecuting those responsible.”