A 10-month investigation targeting an alleged bikie network in Brisbane connected to the notorious Comanchero gang has led to the arrest of 42 people on nearly 430 charges and the seizure of nearly $2m in drugs, cash and property.
Operation Tango Citron uncovered a major drug network operating across the city’s bayside region distributing cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA and cannabis, according to Queensland Police Service.
The near year-long operation came to a climax on Sunday and Monday when detectives swarmed on multiple properties across Broadbeach Waters, Gaven, Tamborine, Rochdale, Steiglitz, Cleveland, Holland Park, Capalaba, Caboolture, Mount Nathan and Rockhampton.
Police will allege $640,000 in cash was uncovered as well as $1m worth of drugs, including 113kg of cannabis, 134 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of methamphetamine, as well as five handguns and eight rifles.
The syndicate is accused of trafficking drugs in heavy vehicles.
It will also be alleged six vehicles were either stolen or used to commit an offence including two cars, a motorcycle, truck, trailer and jet ski worth a combined $230,000.
A 33-year-old man from the Comanchero bikie gang was identified by police as the alleged “principal offender” who engaged in the trafficking and supply of drugs along with other associates.
The Cannon Hill man was charged with six offences including two counts of trafficking, one count of carrying a weapon in public and one count of supplying drugs.
He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20.
Detectives netted $2m worth of drugs, cash and property.
The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the state’s southeast and central region.
Nine other men conjointly charged with trafficking include:
- A 33-year-old Tarragindi man charged with 25 offences including three counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
- A 32-year-old Wynnum man charged with eight offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs serious – organised crime, two counts of possessing property having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and four counts of supplying dangerous drugs. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20.
- A 24-year-old Mount Gravatt East man charged with 17 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, six counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20.
- A 46-year-old Bracken Ridge man charged with 12 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing property used in the commission of a crime, and once count of possessing property obtained from trafficking. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 12.
- A 47-year-old Mackenzie man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, three counts of supplying dangerous drug and weapon offences. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6.
- A 41-year-old Gaven man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime and eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 22.
- A 37-year-old Holland Park West man charged with 14 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
- A 37-year-old Capalaba man charged with 158 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, one count of trafficking dangerous drugs, one count of producing dangerous drug, 130 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20.
- A 46-year-old Mango Hill man charged with nine offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs – serious organised crime, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
