Police have made a huge 12 arrests as part of a major crackdown on dangerous drug trafficking via social media throughout South East Queensland.
A dozen men and women between Redland Bay and Redcliffe were arrested and charged yesterday following ‘Operation Uniform Riding’ investigations.
11 suburbs were raided around 5pm, with Detectives allegedly finding huge quantities of cocaine, MDMA, methylamphetamine, cannabis, firearms and large sums of cash.
Detectives have been posing as customers on social media platforms during the operation.
“During their months of covert action, Officers purchased various quantities of dangerous drugs including cannabis, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, magic mushrooms and sweets infused with THC,” QPS says
“Operation Uniform Riding’ was launched in response to community concerns indicating that drugs were being trafficked via online groups.”
Organised Crime Gangs Group Commander, Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith says infiltrating social media platforms is an investigative first for them.
“Offenders need to know that their customer could be a law enforcement officer and the only way to ensure they are not prosecuted is to stop offending,” Detective Smith says.
“Law enforcement adapts to challenges to keep the community safe and bring offenders to justice.”
The 12 alleged offenders range from 22 years old to 49 years old, with 10 males and 2 women arrested from suburbs including Slacks Creek, Indooroopilly and Tingalpa.
They are all facing a string of charges including trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drug and various drug possession offences.
The individuals will all front South East Queensland courts in June, July & August.
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