The arrest of five people has concluded the operation of Task Force Maxima dubbed as Operation Oscar Autocross which ran for nine months. Operation Auto Cross targeted a drug syndicate linked to members of outlaw bikie gang Comanchero and Mongols, who were allegedly distributing drugs including ampethamine, cocaine, MDMA and steroids throughout Gold Coast and Logan areas. Police were able to seize $370,000 worth of drugs, cash, cars and motorbikes.
Police raided several homes across the city on Thursday, armed with six search warrants. They rendered the arrest of a 39-year-old man from NSW, a 35-year old man from Broadbeach Waters, a 27-year old man from Parkwood, a 43-year old woman from Benowa, a 25-year old man from Ashmore and a 32-year old man from Nerang who were all charged with multiple drug and weapon offences.
A 39-year-old man from NSW has been charged with production of a dangerous drug, possession of a prohibited combination of items, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of property suspected of having been used in an offence. He will be meted of up to 25 years jail time for the combined offences if found guilty, police said.
A 35-year-old man from Broadbeach Waters was also charged with dangerous drug trafficking, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of thing used in a crime, and possession of utensil and personation. He is scheduled to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.
A 27-year-old man from Parkwood was charged with trafficking a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of thing used in a crime, possession of utensil and supply of category A firearm.
A 43-year-old female from Benowa was charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of thing used in connection with crime, and possession of a restricted item and serious obstruct.
Both are scheduled to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.
A 25-year-old man from Ashmore and a 32-year-old man from Nerang were both given with notices to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on April 24 for supplying and possession of dangerous drugs.
Police said Operation Oscar Autocross resulted to the arrests of 28 people hinged on 93 charges including trafficking of methylamphetamine, supply and possession of methylamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, steroids and also include supply of weapons.
Items seized by Taskforce Maxima in a hidden compartment of a car
During the run of the operation, Taskforce Maxima were also able to seize precursor chemicals hypo phosphorous acid, chloropseudoephedrine (synthetic pseudoephedrine) and red iodine, highly capable of producing one kilogram of methyl amphetamine. It was recovered in a hidden compartment which was discovered upon search of a car intercepted entering the state earlier this month.
A still from video footage of Taskforce Maxima officers and a dog squad officer during raids in SE Qld this week. Photo: QPS
Taskforce Maxima Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said police would continue to target outlaw bikies.
“There is a cost and risk of being associated to crime gangs.”
“You will continue to be relentlessly targeted by law enforcement. Organised crime gangs have no part to play in our community. They cause harm and disruption across the country.”
Investigations are ongoing and further charges are expected.