Task Force Maxima– Operation Mike Disrupt 3
As part of ongoing enforcement action against criminal gangs and their networks, detectives from Task Force Maxima conducted a statewide deployment executing search warrants and road policing operations in close cooperation with officers from the Moreton, Wide Bay Burnett, Capricornia, Mackay, South West, Mount Isa, Townsville and Far North Police Districts.
This deployment which occurred from June 2 to June 9, saw the execution of search warrants at addresses in Monkland, Bundaberg, Bucca, Avoca, Koongal, Emerald, Cannonvale, Flametree, Bowen, Mackay, Blackriver, Kirwan, Alligator Creek, Townsville, Oonoonba, Mt Low, Mossman, Miallo, Cooktown, Atherton, Cairns, Smithfield, Cloncurry, Normanton, Esk, Mitchell, Injune and Roma.
The searches resulted in the location of dangerous drugs including methyl-amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, steroids, weapons, ammunition and a quantity explosives (black powder), $1000 in cash, a stolen generator (valued at $17,000) and drug paraphernalia.
Police also located a cannabis crop in the Cooktown area consisting of over two hundred plants and approximately 2kg of packaged cannabis alleged to be operated by Neo-Nazi supporters.
As a result, 61 people had enforcement action taken in relation to 167 charges including supply, possession and production of dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons (rifles, semi-automatic rifle, telescopic baton and knuckledusters), possession of proceeds of crime, stealing, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlicensed tattooist operating a business.
The deployment included members of Taskforce Maxima Road Policing Unit which targets life-endangering behaviour. As a result, enforcement was taken against 42 people on 52 offences including 18 drug drivers and 14 disqualified / unlicensed drivers.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Task Force Maxima said the deployment had seen the taskforce work with regional police to target the unlawful activities of criminal gangs and their networks.
“As evident by these efforts, we will conduct operations wherever these gangs operate,” Detective Inspector Brendan Smith.
“The links between these gangs and illegal drug distribution is clear, as is the link between illegal drugs and property crime.
This is why we are targeting them. Their criminal activities are far reaching and impact on everyday Queenslanders.”
Detective Acting Superintendent Bruno Asnicar, Regional Crime Coordinator – Northern Region said the implementation of a dedicated criminal gang team in the Far North has greatly enhanced the intelligence driven targeting of criminal gangs in this district.
“By working in cooperation with Task Force Maxima we have achieved a sustained pressure on this type of criminal activity in our community,” Detective Acting Superintendent Asnicar said.
Detective Acting Superintendent Bruce McNab, Regional Crime Coordinator – Central Region said Central Region Police continue to work in partnership with Task Force Maxima Detectives to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs when and where they are located.
“An important weapon in our arsenal to use against these criminal networks is our continued work with Maxima, and these excellent results are more proof that we are achieving results and making our communities safer,” Detective Acting Superintendent McNab 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.
