Drugs, explosives seized
DOZENS of people have been charged over a string of crimes in a huge bust of drugs, weapons and explosives at Townsville.
Kirwan Station officer-incharge Senior Sergeant Jason Brosnan said officers raided multiple homes across the suburb this week and arrested 27 people on 83 charges.
The raids, which were a continuation of Operation Lockdown, focused on targeting property crime with a saturation of police in a certain area, with more set to roll out soon.
Sen-sgt Brosnan said two six-foot marijuana plants were among some of the more significant seizures in the haul.
The plants were allegedly found partially concealed in a 19-year-old man’s backyard.
Police also seized small amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine, and were awaiting test results on some other substances.
The suspects, who were aged between 18 years old and 50 years old, were charged with multiple offences, including 20 charges of possessing a dangerous drug, six charges of supplying a dangerous drug and one charge of producing drugs.
Sen-sgt Brosnan said there was enough evidence for police to allege some of the suspects were supplying drugs.
“It’s a little bit worrying with more people seeming to be supplying
drugs to others, either as profit or convenience,” he said.
Sen-sgt Brosnan said he had not seen a significant trend in drug offending amid COVID-19, but a lull in crime had given his crews a chance to focus on warrants.
Some suspects were also charged with weapons and explosive offences over fireworks.
Sen-sgt Brosnan said more similar operations were set to roll out in the next few weeks.
The 27 suspects will face Townsville Magistrates Court in the coming weeks.