DRUG RING BUST
MAJOR POLICE BLITZ SEES 43 CHARGED
A MAJOR drug trafficking syndicate that allegedly supplied methamphetamine throughout North Queensland has been thwarted by detectives.
Last night 43 people had been charged with 225 drug supply, possession and other related offences following the closure of the operation that has been ongoing since May.
Police said 14 people had been charged with trafficking and that number was expected to rise. Police will allege the Townsvillebased operation supplied drugs to several towns, including Charters Towers, Emerald and Sarina, south of Mackay.
Major Organised Crime Squad officer-incharge detective Senior Sergeant Brad Phelps said residents of the towns would either visit Townsville for the drugs, or the alleged traffickers would move the product.
Police will allege the syndicate was moving several ounces of methamphetamine every couple of days across the network.
Police will allege there were two main players, Cameron James Standley and Jessie Wayne Lucas, who are both facing charges of trafficking.
“(The bust) has taken down a syndicate of people allegedly involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine to a large number of vulnerable people in the community,” he said.
Police vision of the moment detectives pounced shows methamphetamine stashed in vacuum cleaners, behind memorabilia and even in a packet of cheese.
Throughout the operation more than 335g of methamphetamine, 300g of cannabis as well as smaller quantities of MDMA, cocaine and heroin were seized.
Detectives also found $88,000 in cash, $4000 worth of casino chips from the Ville casino, a money counter, jewellery and watches.
A rifle, baton and knuckle dusters were also seized.
One of the other alleged offenders, who is facing possession charges, fled from police while in handcuffs.
Detectives will allege several members, who have since been charged, assisted in removing the handcuffs.
The man was able to flee police but was found a day later.
Sgt Phelps said it was a significant seizure. “A significant quantity of methamphetamine has been removed from the local market,” he said.
“In addition to that, a significant number of [alleged] suppliers and traffickers of methamphetamine have either been disrupted or removed from their place in society and into custody.
“That will have an impact on the drug supply in the region.”
It’s unclear how long the alleged syndicate was operating. Detectives are investigating how the methamphetamine used in the trafficking was sourced.