POLICE have charged more than 20 people with drug trafficking offences as part of a major drug trafficking operation in Cairns.
Operation Uniform Amaranth was established by Major and Organised Crime Squad Far Northern to investigate an alleged dangerous drug supply chain feeding into the Safe Night Precinct (SNP).
The Operation has resulted in police commencing proceedings against 59 people on approximately 264 charges.
It will be alleged that on Wednesday, 4 October, detectives intercepted and seized one kilogram of cocaine whilst it was being transported to Cairns destined for distribution.
Similar intercepts resulted in the further seizure of a second kilogram of cocaine, as well as several grams of methylamphetamine, over 150 caps of MDMA, various quantities of steroids, $70,000 and several unregistered firearms.
Police then executed 45 search warrants in residences and vehicles across Cairns City, Smithfield, Edmonton, Kewarra Beach, White Rock, Caravonica, Bentley Park, Trinity Beach and Mareeba across Saturday 11 November and Sunday 12 November.
As a result of the search warrants, 33 people have been charged with 196 offences including 20 people charged with carrying on the business of trafficking in dangerous drugs.
Most of these people are expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court in the coming weeks.
It will be further alleged that eight of the people charged with trafficking are members of the Cairns Chapter of Mongrel Mob Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Andrews, Officer in Charge of MOCS FN (Cairns), said the operation has seen a lot of drugs taken off the streets of the Cairns Safe Night Precinct.
“This investigation was conducted for the purpose of making the Cairns Safe Night Precinct safer for our young people,” he said.
“A few kilograms of cocaine are now off the street, as well as quantities of MDMA, ice and steroids.
“At this time of year, when we know the Cairns SNP area will be busier with Schoolies – this is a success for our operation.
“Anyone who buys and sells dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA), in our licensed premises can face life changing consequences, as many will discover during the coming months as they progress through the criminal justice system.
“The destruction of lives, families and friendships that the appetite for dangerous drugs causes cannot be understated.
“Dangerous drugs have no place in our community.”
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