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This is a joint media release between the AFP, Queensland Police Service and NSW Police Force

Editor’s note: Vision is available here

Six people have been charged and more than $2 million worth of illicit drugs seized following a cross-border operation targeting the supply of drugs across New South Wales and Queensland.

Extensive joint investigations by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and AFP began in May 2023 following information about the alleged trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin between northern NSW and southeast Queensland.

Investigations began under Operation Victor Invader in Queensland, and Strike Force Nesabo in New South Wales.

As part of the cross-border operation, officers from QPS, NSWPF and AFP conducted 15 search warrants across the two states yesterday (5 September 2023).

Search warrants executed at the NSW properties saw officers locate and seize 256g of cannabis, 29g of MDMA capsules, and 12.49g of methamphetamine, with a combined estimated street value of $21,800.

Following the search warrants, three men and a woman were arrested yesterday at properties in South Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, and Dum Dum.

A South Murwillumbah man, 26, was charged with 63 offences, including 47 counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of supply prohibited drug to child, supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), possess prohibited drug, and possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance.

A South Murwillumbah woman, 25, was charged with 20 offences, including 12 counts of take part supply prohibited drug, four counts of supply prohibited drug, and take part supply prohibited drug (commercial).

A Dum Dum man, 24 was charged with 11 offences, including six counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and two counts of stalk/intimidate with intent to cause harm.

A Tweed Heads man, 55, was charged with eight offences, including three counts of supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, two counts of possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug, and deal with property or proceeds of crime.

All were refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today (6 September 2023).

In Queensland, a Broadbeach man, 33, and Mermaid Waters man, 32, were arrested at a carpark in Carrara after allegedly intending to meet a person who they believed would be purchasing dangerous drugs.

Instead, the men were met by detectives and specialist police, who seized approximately 360 grams of heroin and 150 grams of cocaine, along with a quantity of cash and several mobile phones.

Following the arrest, search warrants were executed on residences at Mermaid Waters, Broadbeach, Southport and Mermaid Beach along with a storage facility at Surfers Paradise and vehicle at Varsity Lakes.

Approximately $64,500 in cash was located at Mermaid Waters, along with a quantity of heroin, steroids and prescription medication.

At Broadbeach, a quantity of cash, prescription medication, drug utensils and approximately 260 grams of cocaine were located.

At Mermaid Waters, approximately 6.7 kilograms of cannabis, prescription medications and drug utensils were seized.

The 33-year-old man has been charged with three counts of trafficking dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of possess or receive property obtained from trafficking dangerous drugs.

The 32-year-old man has been charged with three counts of trafficking dangerous drugs, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, three counts of possess anything used in the commission of a crime and two counts of possess or receive property obtained from trafficking dangerous drugs.

Both men were remanded in custody and are expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today.

QPS Drug and Serious Crime Group Detective Acting Superintendent Melissa Anderson said the Queensland Joint and Organised Crime Taskforce would continue to work with all law enforcement jurisdictions to relentlessly target criminal syndicates and keep the community safe.

“Organised crime knows no borders and has no regard for impacts on innocent and vulnerable members of the public,” Detective Acting Superintendent Anderson said.

“I commend all officers involved in this complex and covert joint operation and warn anyone who thinks they can get away with putting these addictive and devastating drugs on our streets, to expect police at your door next.”

NSWPF Northern Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent David Waddell, said the strong results came down to ongoing cross-border collaboration.

"By working closely with our QPS and AFP colleagues, we have successfully dismantled a significant drug operation with links from Sydney to the Gold Coast," Det Supt Waddell said.

"Following these significant results, we look forward to continuing this collaboration with other agencies to tackle drug supply across the state."

AFP Acting Commander Anthony Conway said police would continue to work collaboratively to stop the impact of illicit drugs that are felt across Australia.

“Drugs don’t stop at the border and neither do the police. By sharing intelligence and resources we can ensure that all police forces around the country are best placed to stop the scourge of drugs from impacting our communities,” Acting Commander Conway said.

Note to media:

Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.

• For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

• Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.

• For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.

Media enquiries:
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

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