Police say they have smashed an alleged crime syndicate that was operating from the Sunshine Coast with a drug supply network stretching across South-East Queensland.
Detectives from the Sunshine Coast’s Drug and Serious Crime Taskforce have closed a 12-month operation targeting the trafficking of dangerous drugs by organised crime groups.
This resulted in the arrest of 18 people on 55 charges with some of those charged associated with the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Operation Tango Birch commenced in December 2020 to disrupt the distribution of commercial quantities of drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and methylamphetamine in an area spanning from Logan in the south and Bundaberg in the north.
Officers from across the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and South-East Queensland executed 19 search warrants over several days and the results were revealed Wednesday.
Police said they seized dangerous drugs with a street value totalling more than $265,000, including more than 32 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, as well as other drugs including cocaine, MDMA and methylamphetamine.
Police also uncovered $120,000 in cash and weapons including firearms, tasers, knuckle dusters and flick knives.
A 24-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, both from Buderim, were each charged with drug trafficking (cannabis) and supply cocaine. They are both due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on February 4.
A 52-year-old Beerwah man was charged with drug trafficking (cannabis) and supply cocaine, and is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 10.
A 34-year-old Branyan man has been charged with drug trafficking (cannabis) and is expected to appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on January 14.
A 27-year-old Buderim woman and a 35-year-old Buderim man were each charged with drug trafficking (cannabis) and are both due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 7.
Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen, of the Sunshine Coast Crime Group, said results from Operation Tango Birch would have a significant impact on the supply of dangerous drugs on the Sunshine coast.
“Through these ongoing disruption strategies we will continue to target organised crime to keep our community safe.”
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