Four charged and a kilogram of methamphetamine seized during operation

Four people have been arrested and a kilogram of methlamphetamine seized as part of Operation Gambler which targeted the trafficking of drugs throughout Logan and Southeast Queensland.

Detectives from the State Crime Command Organised Crime Gangs Group, Major and Organised Crime Squad (Logan) commenced Operation Gambler in May 2017 targeting an Acacia Ridge based business owner and his family.

The investigation focused primarily on the group’s unexplained wealth and their alleged involvement in the trafficking of dangerous drugs.

During the investigation links were identified between the Queensland persons of interest and known criminal organisations in Sydney.

Officers from Queensland’s Major and Organised Crime Squad working alongside New South Wales Police Middle Eastern Organised Crimes Squad (MEOCS) yesterday intercepted a vehicle in Sydney. During a search of the vehicle, police located approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine.

A 49-year-old Acacia Ridge man was arrested by New South Wales Police and charged with supply large commercial quantity dangerous drug and use weapon to avoid apprehension (vehicle).  A second 34-year-old man from Sydney was also arrested and charged with supply large commercial quantity dangerous drug and both will appear in a Sydney court today.

Yesterday search warrants were also executed on linked addresses in Acacia Ridge and Sunnybank Hills, including an automotive repair business.

During the searches police located approximately 285 grams of methamphetamine and documents they believe will assist in supporting offences of money laundering.

As a result of these searches two people were charged with a variety of drug offences including a 52-year-old woman who was charged with trafficking dangerous drugs with a circumstance of aggravation under section 161Q of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Participant in a Criminal Organisation and Money Laundering (which carries a mandatory seven-year imprisonment in addition to the head sentence, under Queensland’s Serious and Organised Crime legislation).

Further searches conducted today on addresses in Queensland today^, linked the criminal syndicate, has resulted in the seizure of a further $43 300 in cash.

The operation reaffirms the Queensland Police’s commitment to the policing of organised crime gangs.

“This is another example of the continued commitment by Queensland Police to partner with other agencies and jurisdictions to identify, disrupt and prosecute high level criminal organisations causing the greatest impact to the community.

“These arrests go a long way to disrupting supply chains into Queensland but the seizure of assets prevents these syndicates from being able to re-establish,” Detective Inspector Stephen Blanchfield said.

“These investigations come as a result of the community speaking up and we thank all the members of the community for supporting us.  I would remind everyone that they can always give us information on suspected drug activity anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.

MEOCS Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain, said collaborative law enforcement investigations are key to targeting organised criminal activity in Australia.

“NSW Police Force has strong relationships with our law enforcement partners both here in Australia and abroad, which allows us to track criminal networks across borders,” Det Supt McErlain said.

“By sharing information and working together, we can better understand how illicit businesses are connected, and ensure we intercept their illegal trades and cut deep into their profits.

“Most importantly, this type of cooperation results in the seizure of poisons, like ice, and prevents it hitting in the streets and causing harm in our communities,” Det Supt McErlain said.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.