What’s Happening?
Seven people have been charged as part of ongoing investigations into alleged drug trafficking across the Rockhampton area. Detectives from Rockhampton’s Criminal Investigation Branch worked with Gold Coast Major and Organised Crime Squad officers.
Police executed several search warrants across Rockhampton and the Gold Coast. They allegedly found methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA powder, cash, firearms and drug production equipment.
Why It Matters?
Police say the investigation targeted alleged drug supply and illegal firearms, which are often connected to organised crime. Detective Inspector Luke Peachey warned that illicit drugs caused enormous harm to individuals, families and the wider community.
“Those involved in the supply of dangerous drugs should be under no illusion. If you choose to profit from harming our community, we will target you, investigate you, and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions,” Detective Inspector Peachey said. “The targeting of illegal firearms is about ensuring that firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands, especially as stolen firearms are often linked to major and organised crime.”
Local Impact
The operation included searches in Park Avenue, Tanby and Berserker, alongside a storage unit search at Molendinar. All seven accused have appeared or are due to appear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court.
The charges include alleged drug trafficking, production and possession offences. Several accused also face weapons, tainted property, utensils and electronic access charges.
By the Numbers
- Police estimated the seized dangerous drugs had a combined street value of approximately $750,000.
- Officers also seized about $80,000 in cash during the wider investigation.
- The Molendinar search allegedly uncovered two rifles and one shotgun, alongside a mechanical pill press.
Zoom In
In June, police searched a Lauga Street address in Park Avenue. They allegedly found methylamphetamine, cocaine, a shortened firearm and cash.
Four men were arrested at the property.
- A 21-year-old Park Avenue man was charged with two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs. Single counts include possessing anything used in crime and authority required to possess explosives. Further charges concern suspected drug offence property, tainted property and an electronic access order. He remains in custody and will reappear on 21 October.
- A 22-year-old from Frenchville faces two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and unlawfully possessing weapons. Single counts include trafficking, possessing tainted property, possessing a knife publicly and authority required to possess explosives. He received a notice to appear on 16 September.
- A 23-year-old Zilzie man was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and possessing utensils. He will reappear on 7 September.
- A 24-year-old Hidden Valley man was charged with one count of unlawful possession of weapons. He appeared before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 20 July.
At about 3pm on 19 July, police searched an Old Coach Road address in Tanby. They allegedly found methylamphetamine and a firearm.
A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and unlawfully possessing weapons.
Single counts include authority required to possess explosives, receiving tainted property, possessing utensils and possessing tainted property.
Other charges concern an item intended for use in crime and an electronic access order. He will reappear on 25 November.
At about 12pm on 3 August, police arrested two people at a Queen Elizabeth Drive business in Berserker.
Officers then searched a white Jeep Grand Cherokee and allegedly found a large amount of cash.
At about 4.40pm on 4 August, Gold Coast officers searched an Industrial Avenue storage unit in Molendinar.
Police allegedly found two rifles, a shotgun, a mechanical pill press and a large quantity of MDMA powder.
- A 33-year-old Paget man faces two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. Single counts include supplying dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property and contravening an electronic access order. Other charges concern suspected drug offence property and possessing utensils. He remains in custody and will reappear on 4 November.
- A 37-year-old Southport woman faces two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and unlawfully possessing weapons. She also faces one count each of producing dangerous drugs and possessing relevant substances or things. She remains in custody and will appear on 16 December.
Zoom Out
Detective Inspector Peachey said information from residents remained vital to identifying people allegedly involved in drug and firearms offences.
“Information from the community is pivotal in helping police to identify and bring those involved in these illegal activities before the courts,” he said. “I urge anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers.”
What To Look For Next?
The cases will continue through scheduled court appearances from September to December. Investigations remain ongoing, with further inquiries potentially leading to additional police action.
