Battle on drugs will never end

ANOTHER week, another drug bust by Townsville detectives.

This time, the operation resulted in the arrest of 16 people arrested on 127 offences, including five people who are now facing charges of drug trafficking.

Townsville’s Major and Organised Crime Squad detective Senior Sergeant Brad Phelps has said it was a tip off about a high volume of cars at certain suburban residents that led to the operation.

Cash and other items were found during a seizure of properties at the weekend and were stored in everyday household items.

According to the social media accounts of two of the accused traffickers, Sonia Newby and Mark Merrin, they are the owners of S & M Amusement Hire, which rents jumping castles to children’s birthday parties.

The business Facebook page is filled with reviews from happy customers, who raved about their service and cheap prices.

Detectives will allege the pair, along with Ms Newby’s son, were the main players in the syndicate that trafficked drugs for about 18 months.

While their guilt or otherwise is yet to be proven before a court of law, it is concerning that everyday business owners and mums and dads could be living amongst us but leading a double life.

Sen-sgt Phelps made the comment that detectives disrupted the drug market in Townsville by the latest operation.

No doubt they did, but sadly he conceded the players in the drug scene would likely find a new source of product.

This all comes after an alleged methamphetamine trafficking syndicate was busted by police.

Detectives will tell you Townsville’s Major and Organised Crime Squad find methamphetamine and cannabis are the big drugs impacting the region.

For every syndicate that is dismantled by detectives, work begins on the next one to try and stop the flow of drugs into the community.