March 16, 2020
Police have charged 36 people with drug offences and seized hundreds of cannabis plants and a large quantity of hydroponic equipment as part of an ongoing operation targeting the production, distribution and trafficking of cannabis in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and South Burnett.
Police executed 35 search warrants across the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Fraser Coast and South Burnett from March 10-13 as part of joint Operation Oaky.
The raids involved 25 officers from the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Burnett tactical crime squads and detectives from the State Crime Command’s Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural).
During the search, police allegedly seized 307 cannabis plants, including some up to 2.5m tall, 8.6kg of cannabis and 12 hydroponic systems.
Investigators also seized four firearms, two crossbows, a large quantity of ammunition along with a quantity of cocaine and regulated drugs.
Police have estimated the total street value of the drugs seized at $1.85 million.
Senior Sergeant Wade Lee, officer in charge of the Wide Bay Tactical Crime Squad, said police would continue targeting drug offences in the region.
“This intelligence-based action by Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast police with the assistance of specialist officers from the State Crime Command has had a significant impact on the local drug market,” he said.
“With the assistance of the community, we will continue to proactively and collaboratively target and disrupt the production and distribution of drugs in the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay-Burnett.”
The arrests included:
- A 45-year-old Mooloolah Valley man on two weapons charges due to appear in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on April 1
- A 41-year-old Peachester man on four drug offence charges due to appear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on April 6
- A 38 year-old Diamond Valley man on three drug offence charges due to appear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 30
- A 30 year-old Goomboorian man on five drug offence charges due to appear at Gympie Magistrates Court on March 30.
Police said investigations were continuing with further arrests expected.
