North Heat puts the blowtorch on local drug trade: A multi-agency drug enforcement operation conducted on Friday has sent a clear message to those involved in the local drug scene.
A large quantity of cash being counted.
Operation North Heat was a collaborative effort between Queensland Police, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs and Border Patrol and kicked off in the early hours Friday morning.
Operatives executed 23 search warrants across the greater Cairns area, resulting in the apprehension of 20 people on more than 40 drug related charges. Methylamphetamine, cannabis and drug utensils were located at a number of addresses. A large quantity of cash was seized from a Woree residence, and weapons including a conducted energy weapon and a sawn-off shotgun were also located during the searches.
QPS Det Insp Bruno Asnicar (centre) flanked by Det Sgt Mladen Bosnic (AFP) and Area Commander Phil Brezzo (Customs & Border Protection), addresses media on Friday afternoon.
Far North District Crime Coordinator Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said that those involved in the far north drug trade could expect attention as part of ongoing enforcement, especially those involved in the distribution of methylamphetamine, or ‘Ice’.
“We will continue to target you, and we will be targeting you in a united effort.
“We will be ongoing and relentless. These drugs, particularly ice, destroy families, they destroy people, they destroy employment”, he said.
Burglary charge, Mt Sheridan: An 18-year-old Bungalow man was charged yesterday following investigations into the alleged burglary of a Mount Sheridan home last month.
It will be alleged that the man gained entry to the Lacewing Drive residence via an unlocked door on April 11 and stole a handbag containing a wallet and a mobile phone. An alert neighbour spotted the man in the back yard of the residence and chased him on foot, subsequently locating the handbag in a nearby park.
Subsequent investigations led detectives to a Morehead Street address at Bungalow yesterday afternoon where the man was located and taken into custody.
He was charged with one count each of burglary and receiving tainted property and is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court this morning.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.