This is a joint CCC and QPS Media Release
The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) and QPS Taskforce Maxima are in the process of executing 18 search warrants this morning at addresses in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan and Cairns.
Today’s law enforcement action is the culmination of a two-year joint CCC-QPS drug trafficking investigation, known as Operation Juliet Wave, which focused on former members of the Centro Chapter of the Bandidos criminal motorcycle gang (CMG) and their criminal associates. Prior to today’s law enforcement action, Operation Juliet Wave has already seized drugs with a street value of $2.6 million dollars and charged 53 people with serious offences.
The CCC and QPS are being assisted on the ground today by officers from the National Anti-Gang Squad, the Australian Federal Police and Customs and Border Protection.
A former member and associates of the Centro Chapter of the Bandidos have been arrested this morning and will be charged later today with serious drug trafficking offences. It will be alleged those arrested trafficked dangerous drugs including crystal methylamphetamine (ice) and methylamphetamine oil which can be readily converted to crystal methylamphetamine.
Another person arrested this morning is the proprietor of a Brisbane coffee shop where one of the first BitCoin ATMs in Queensland is in operation.
CCC Executive Director Crime, Kathleen Florian and Taskforce Maxima Commander, Detective Superintendent Michael Niland will hold a joint press conference today at the CCC at 1.30pm.
As there is ongoing operational activity, the CCC and the QPS will make no further comment until the press conference at 1.30pm.
ENDS
Press conference details:
Where: CCC Headquarters - Level 2, North Tower Green Square, 515 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley.
When: 1.30pm. Media are asked to arrive at 1.15pm to ensure appropriate time for signing-in procedures.
Who: CCC Executive Director Crime, Kathleen Florian and QPS Taskforce Maxima Commander, Michael Niland
What: Details of today’s arrests and the two-year joint CCC-QPS investigation.
Footage: QPS Media will have footage from the investigation available upon request. Please contact QPS Media on 07 3015 2444.
