June 28, 2023
Police have charged 53 people with 110 offences and seized almost $400,000 worth of drugs after a four-day-long operation at a music event held on a property off Cherry Creek Road, near Blackbutt.
Operation Googa Creek was launched to ensure community safety after police received information about a large gathering on a rural block of land between Thursday and Sunday, June 22-25.
Officers were particularly concerned given the secrecy around the event and its rural location, creating a potentially significant risk should an emergency occur.
Officers from the South Burnett Patrol Group, including detectives from the Stock and Rural Crime Squad, Brisbane Dog Squad, Tactical Crime Squad and the Highway Patrol, were involved in the operation.
Drug seizures across the four days include around $160,000 worth of ketamine, $127,000 worth of MDMA, as well as quantities of cannabis, LSD, cocaine and more than $12,000 in cash.
A 35-year-old Victorian man was arrested and charged with 13 offences, including supply dangerous drugs, possess dangerous drugs, possess utensil, and obstruct police.
He appeared before Kingaroy Magistrates Court on June 26 and will reappear on December 14.
A 39-year-old Toowoomba man was arrested and charged with nine offences, including supply dangerous drug, possess dangerous drug and possess property obtained from supply of trafficking.
He appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 26 and will reappear on a later date.
In total, 53 people were arrested or given Notices to Appear on 110 charges over the four-day operation.
A 27-year-old Wurtulla man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
He is due to appear before the Nanango Magistrates Court on July 15.
Of the roadside breath tests that were conducted, 331 returned negative results and three were positive, while 39 traffic infringement notices were issued.
Of the roadside drug tests that were conducted, 60 returned negative results and 12 were positive.
Investigations remain ongoing into the alleged sale of liquor, supply and distribution of dangerous drugs and other offences against the Drugs and Misuse Act 1986.
Inspector Scott Stahlhut thanked everyone involved.
“Police in the South Burnett will continue to focus on illicit drug activity and target those driving on our roads under the influence of drugs or liquor,” he said.
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Police video from “Operation Googa Creek”
