POLICE say they have shut down a major drug trafficking ring following a two-year investigation in South West Queensland
Operation Oscar Kohl was established in August 2015 to target those involved in the production and trafficking of methylamphetamine (ice) in St George and nearby areas.
This morning (Wednesday), 60 officers from across Queensland with the assistance from the State Drug Squad and Brisbane and Toowoomba dog squads executed search warrants at properties in St George, Surat, Dirranbandi and Roma.
As a result of today’s raids, 25 people were arrested and charged with more than 170 drug-related offences including trafficking, suppling and possessing dangerous drugs.
Officers also seized a number of vehicles, ice, cannabis, drug utensils and electronic equipment.
A 34-year-old St George man was charged with trafficking a dangerous drug and 23 counts of supply offences, a 30-year-old Surat man was also charged with trafficking and an 18-year-old St George woman has been charged also with trafficking.
A total of seven people have been charged with trafficking a dangerous drug as a result of today’s raids.
They are all due to appear in the Roma, St George and Dalby Magistrates courts over the coming months.
Ice.. has a devastating effect on communities, particularly those in remote and rural areas.
- Detective Inspector Paul Hart
Investigations are continuing and will be ongoing with a number of further arrests expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Detective Inspector Paul Hart said the prevalence of methylamphetamine was savaging local communities in the South West.
“Ice is an insidious drug which has a devastating effect on communities, particularly those in remote and rural areas with limited access to support services,” Detective Inspector Hart said.
He said the significant number of arrests made in the St George area today had disrupted a major drug syndicate and would dismantle its local business model.
“We made a commitment to local members of the community to address the drug issues in the area, and the closure of this operation will inject some much-needed confidence back into the community.
“While it is a satisfying result for all of the dedicated police involved, we have more work to do and we will continue to target those engaging in criminal activity and the supply of drugs across the district.
“As part of our policing response to combat the issue, officers will also continue to work with various local organisations and schools, focusing on deterrence and rehabilitation.”
Contact Policelink on 131 444 to provide information.
