Drug raids net haul
Five-month operation hailed for interruption of Innisfail drug supply after raids snare guns and money
POLICE have warned more people may be charged after smashing a major drug syndicate allegedly dealing illicit substances in a Far Northern town for months.
Twelve people face 199 offences following raids. Police allegedly seized more than $100,000 in cash, around $40,000 worth of ice, cannabis and cocaine, six guns, three cars and a motorbike.
POLICE have warned more people may be charged after a major drug syndicate was smashed in a Far Northern town.
Twelve people are facing 199 offences following many raids linked to the supply of methamphetamines, cannabis and pseudoephedrine into Innisfail.
During the five-month operation, police seized more than $100,000 in cash, about $40,000 worth of ice, cannabis and cocaine, six guns, three cars and a motorbike.
The vehicles and cash are alleged to be proceeds of crime.
Innisfail detectives spearheaded Operation Sierra Footrope, backed by the major and organised crime squads of Cairns and Townsville, the dog squad and the outlaw motorcycle gang-centred Taskforce Maxima — although police said there were no links to bikie gangs.
It was alleged the group had been operating in the Far North community since March.
Police allege Upper Daradgee man John Willey, 37, is the syndicate boss.
He has been remanded in custody after appearing in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with many drug offences including trafficking ice and cannabis, along with 28 counts of drug supply.
His case was adjourned until October 21.
A second alleged syndicate member, Koah man Gelof Klarfield, 32, appeared in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on Monday facing drug and weapon possession and supply charges.
His case was adjourned until next month.
He was also remanded in custody and did not apply for bail.
Far North police detective acting Inspector Jason Smith said the group were allegedly “major players” on the Innisfail drug scene.
“The drugs were (allegedly) coming from a number of different directions, but the hub was in Innisfail in this case,” he said.
“This investigation will go a long way to keeping our community safe.
“This will have positive outcomes in the Innisfail community, not just to the supply of drugs, but to keeping people safe from the behaviour that follows on from that.”
Houses at Innisfail, Koah, Cape Tribulation and Silkwood were raided on Friday and Saturday, with 12 people charged.
They are set to appear in the Innisfail, Mareeba and Mossman magistrates courts in coming weeks.
Innisfail detective Sergeant Steve Bull said the operation targeted people allegedly trafficking dangerous drugs — particularly methamphetamines — into the local community.
“This type of protracted operation enforces the policing commitment to target and disrupt the supply and use of dangerous drugs into Queensland,” he said.
Innisfail detectives have also been running a Dob in a Dealer campaign throughout August amid concerns over the rise of backyard labs during COVID-19.
A/Inspector Smith said the seizure of pseudoephedrine during the operation was key as it was a well-known precursor in meth production.
“Innisfail has been very proactive in regards to their drug problem down there and subsequently I’m very pleased this operation was put in place,” he said.
“This is about keeping people safe.”