Operation Fiddlesticks, Capella

In the week leading up to Capella Rodeo police have conducted Operation Fiddlesticks, resulting in the seizure of illegal firearms and over 30 charges laid for drug and traffic offences.

Police from Tieri, Anakie, Rockhampton and Brisbane along with local officers and a drug detection dog executed search warrants on properties in Capella and Anakie.

Twelve people were charged with more than 30 offences with information suggesting a prolific drug supply between the two towns.

Over the Capella Rodeo weekend police conducted over 600 breath tests and 140 drug tests with several people returning positive test results for both drink and drug driving and up to 11 infringements issued for speed and other vehicle offences.

Officer in charge of Capella Station Senior Constable Andrew Finall thanked the Capella Rodeo Committee for their assistance and acknowledged there were no issues at the actual rodeo or evidence any offences were linked to the event.

“There is a worrying trend though in relation to the quantity of drugs and illegal firearms located within the community,” Senior Constable Finall said.

“Over a dozen illegal or unregistered firearms were located on a number of properties and vehicles,” he said.

“It appears people still do not understand the danger of illicit drugs and what they can do to an individual, their family and the community as a whole.

“It is also worrying to understand why people continued to think its ok to have a firearm or any kind of illegal weapon in their possession that can cause harm to themselves and to people around them.”

Senior Constable Finall stressed that while the operation was a success without community support the job of police is made harder.

Local residents are urged that if they have any information relating to illegal drugs of weapons to contact Police or Crime stoppers within this information.