Police officers from Warwick Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) say they have closed a major drug network in south-west Queensland.
Operation Barracuda was coordinated this week by the Warwick CIB and conducted with the assistance of Stanthorpe CIB, Goondiwindi CIB, Toowoomba CIB, Tactical Crime Squad Toowoomba, Brisbane Dog Squad and general duties police.
A Queensland Police Media statement released today, Friday 7 September, says more than 30 search warrants were executed this week at locations within the Warwick patrol group area including Goondiwindi, Allora, Killarney, Inglewood, Stanthorpe, Talwood and Leyburn.
“It will be alleged during the raids a substantial quantity of methylamphetamine and large amount of money were seized,” the statement said.
“Two concealable firearms were allegedly found at a Warwick property with an operational boxed laboratory with chemicals and glassware capable of producing a substantial quantity of the dangerous drugs also uncovered.
“It will further be alleged a quantity to dried cannabis and a hydroponic cannabis producing setup were located in a house above a business in the CBD of Warwick.
“Approximately 45 people have been charged with 131 offences including trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing, producing and supplying dangerous drugs.
“All those charged will be appearing in court later this month.”
Detective Inspector Lew Strohfeldt of the Darling Downs Crime Group said this is an example of how a collaborative effort can work to stop crime in the community.
“This collaboration between our squads and local police continues to identify and disrupt people committing offences across the region for a range of criminal offences,” Detective Inspector Strohfeldt said.
“Our local community has provided us with the information we need to tackle this network and get these drugs off the street.
“Clearly the people in the Darling Downs do not want these dangerous and destructive substances in their towns and are working with us to remove them.”
