Detectives from the Mackay Tactical Operations Team this week closed a major and protracted investigation seizing drugs and cash.
Operation ‘Tango Muscatel’ commenced in November last year focusing on the trafficking of methylamphetamine, MDMA and cannabis in the Mackay District.
The operation incorporated a dedicated team of local investigators, officers from specialist sections of the Queensland Police Service and assistance from Australian Border Force.
During the operation investigators identified a criminal network, reaching from Brisbane to Mackay, involved in the supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs.
Investigators employed numerous covert and overt strategies to dismantle and disrupt this identified criminal network.
Investigators located and seized illegal drugs including 150grams of methylamphetamine, 2kg of cannabis, 83 cannabis plants, 13g of cocaine, quantities of LSD, MDMA and steroids. The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated at $425,000.
Police also seized several weapons including handguns, rifles and shotguns.
Investigators seized over $200,000 in cash during the operation.
On August 8, 9 and 10 officers arrested the alleged main targets of this operation through a series of raids conducted across the Mackay District.
On August 10, investigators executed a search warrant at a Habana address and located and seized five cannabis plants and equipment for drug production. A 30-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were subsequently charged with several offences including produce dangerous drug and possess dangerous drug. The man is due to appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on September 12. The woman is due to appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on August 24.
During the operation 52 people were charged with a total of 239 offences. Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton, Office in Charge of Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch said: “Operation ‘Tango Muscatel’ re-enforces that Queensland police will continue to target people involved in the distribution of dangerous drugs, particularly those in organised criminal networks.”
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