A series of police raids in the Gold Coast area early this morning have targeted several people alleged to be part of a sophisticated drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of cocaine.
Today’s raids signal the closure of a 13 month organised crime operation led by the Crime and Misconduct Commission in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW police and Australian Customs.
The CMC and Gold Coast police simultaneously executed five search warrants on properties at Carrara, Southport, Burleigh Waters, Surfers Paradise and Molendinar.
Four people were arrested during the raids and a quantity of cash ($37 650), drugs (steroids and cocaine), a firearm (.357 Magnum handgun) and ammunition were found at some of the properties. A total of 2.5 kilograms of cocaine has been seized during the entire operation.
Charges relating to the trafficking of dangerous drugs, possession of prohibited drugs and possession of firearms have been laid.
Earlier this year three other people were charged as a result of the crime operation. They are facing various charges relating to the possession and trafficking of drugs after two and a half kilograms of cocaine were found at an Ashmore workshop in July.
The Crime and Misconduct Commission has also restrained $1.1 million of assets, including cash, cars and properties, under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002.
CMC Director, Crime Operations, Detective Chief Superintendent Len Potts says the dismantling of the organised crime network will have a significant impact on the illicit drug market in South East Queensland and may ultimately lead to the saving of lives.
‘By shutting down the drug syndicate, we have removed a dangerous drug from the streets just weeks out from Schoolies Week; however, our job is never over,’ Detective Chief Superintendent Potts said.
‘South East Queensland remains an area of concentrated cocaine activity for the state and as such we will need to continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to target this organised crime.’
Note: A CMC spokesperson will be available for media interviews on request.
Listen to the audio from the press conference (WMA, 3 MB) held at Surfers Paradise Police Station with Detective Chief Superintendent Len Potts, CMC Director, Crime Operations.
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