Drug ring raid arrests

Jewels, meth and cash seized

AN Innisfail man found with $80,000 worth of jewellery, including black diamonds, alleged to be the proceeds of crime, has been remanded in custody as police close a major Cassowary Coast drug operation.

Detectives allege Michael Thomas Collins, 29, was a key figure in a network accused of dealing methylamphetamines in the community for the past three months.

He was arrested in Cairns on Tuesday night after police raided a Woree caravan park unit and allegedly found the jewellery, about $8000 cash and a quantity of drugs including liquid fantasy, which is also known as GHB.

Mr Collins appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody on 11 charges including the alleged violent assault of a 49-year-old man at an Innisfail residence last month.

The man suffered a fractured jaw as a result.

A second man, Chad Parry, 33, has also been charged with that offence.

Innisfail police Det Sgt Matt Bauer said Operation Romeo Sennet was launched in July and police seized a total of 364g of methylamphetamines, two firearms including a shortened rifle, $80,000 worth of jewellery and $50,000 cash.

He said 12 people and been charged with multiple offences including drug supply and possession.

The operation was a joint investigation by Innisfail detectives and the Far North’s Major and Organised Crime Squad.

MOCS boss Detective SenSgt Kevin Goan said much of the information given to police had come in via anonymous public tip-offs.

“Innisfail, like other rural centres, is not immune from the drug ice,” he said.

“It is an insidious drug that has catastrophic consequences on the community, not only the end user.

“I thank the people of Innisfail and elsewhere for their information. It is a testament to Crime Stoppers and the anonymous platform it provides for the community to connect with law enforcement and keep the community safe.”