Detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group, and the Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi Criminal Investigations Branch conducted a closure of Operation Portal which targeted drug and crime networks across the Southern Downs.
The operation was co-ordinated by the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) Rural over four days and involved over 25 officers, executing 23 search warrants on urban and rural properties from Nobby down to the border town of Eukey.
Police located a hydroponic set up at a property in Stanthorpe where 28 cannabis plants were found.
A 37-year-old man from Stanthorpe has been charged with producing cannabis, possessing cannabis and possessing things used in the commission of a crime to appear at the Stanthorpe Magistrates Court on November 27.
The operation also involved the arrest of two men at a Lyons Street house after police located amphetamine valued at more than $10,000 and $19,000 in cash.
A 20-year-old man from Warwick has been charged with trafficking of dangerous drugs, possession of property suspected of being proceeds, possession and supply of cannabis and amphetamine and possession of things used in connection with drug supply to appear at the Warwick Magistrates Court on November 23.
A 23-year- old man from Warwick has been charged with possession and supply of cannabis and amphetamine, and possession of things used in connection with drug supply to appear at the Warwick Magistrates Court on November 23.
A 36-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man from Warwick have both been charged with the trafficking of cannabis and amphetamine, and the possession and supply of cannabis and amphetamine to appear at the Warwick Magistrates Court on November 23.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 33 people on 276 charges ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, trafficking and supply of dangerous drugs, production and possession of dangerous drugs, armed robbery and receiving stolen property.
Detective Sergeant Darren Tamblyn, Officer in Charge of the Warwick Criminal Investigation Branch said this a great outcome for our community and removing these drugs only happens when members of the public report criminal behaviour.
“It is important to focus on the disruption of drug and crime networks in our rural communities” Detective Sergeant Tamblyn said.
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