Major drug syndicate smashed in Port Douglas
PORT DOUGLAS
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A MAJOR drug ring in Port Douglas has been uncovered alleged to have been involved in the trafficking of dangerous drugs in the Far North.
Queensland police confirmed today a number of arrests were made in the popular tourist town last week, with several businesses and homes raided.
The raids were part of Operation Papa Prowess, which began in February as a joint operation by Far Northern Major and Organised Crime Squad and Organised Crime Gangs Group detectives.
Police will allege the syndicate facilitated the trafficking of cocaine from Melbourne to Cairns and Port Douglas 'through established criminal links' before distribution through a network of suppliers throughout the north.
“On March 16, police executed search warrants at several addresses in the Port Douglas area including homes on Barrier Street, Endeavour Parade, Nautilus Street, Murphy Street, Tropic Court, Sorrento Crescent, Mountain View Road and Cooya Beach,” a police spokesperson said today.
“Search warrants were also executed at a vessel berthed at the Port Douglas Marina and three businesses in Port Douglas including a gym and a yoghurt shop.”
Police officers from Port Douglas and Cairns were unable to comment to Newsport about the operation on Friday.
The organised crime gang units from Queensland Police also partnered with the Australian Tax Office and Victoria Police to investigate the source of drugs and unexplained wealth being generated by syndicate members both within Queensland and interstate.
It resulted in 15 people being charged with 84 offences including trafficking dangerous drugs and supplying dangerous drugs.
Drugs including cocaine, cannabis and MDMA with an estimated value of over $100,000 as well as $32,500 in cash were seized.
Other items including encrypted telecommunication devices, mobile phones, smoking utensils, scales, crocodile skulls and seeds were also seized as part of the coordinated police sting.
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* Due to this case being before the courts comments will only be published at the Editor’s discretion.
