November 17, 2017
Thirty-five people will face 94 charges after a series of raids on rural properties across southern Queensland, including several in the South Burnett.
During Operation Pine, police from the Drug and Serious Crime Group’s Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) executed 24 search warrants on rural properties in Kingaroy, other parts of the South Burnett, Gympie, Charleville, Roma and Forest Hill.
During the searches three large hydroponic cannabis plots and several bush cannabis plots were allegedly located as well as six unlicensed firearms.
It is estimated the bush cannabis detected would be worth more than $1 million and the hydroponic cannabis over $20,000.
Charges include produce dangerous drugs, possess dangerous drugs and Weapons Act offences.
Operation Pine was part of a week of tactical action by the State Crime Command’s Drug and Serious Crime Group ahead of Schoolies Week.
More than $5 million worth of cannabis and other drugs were seized across Queensland.
“This was a significant week for State Crime Command’s Drug and Serious Crime Group with the assistance from officers across the State,” Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker said.
“This action was aimed at disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and with our tactical action, targeting those responsible for these distribution networks which we believe were focused on end of school year celebrations.
“While methylamphetamine continues to be the drug many are turning to, these closures highlight cannabis is still a very real drug of choice for many. We will continue to maintain an active role monitoring and targeting the supply of drugs during end-of-year school celebrations.”
